Enzo Maresca Press Conference: O'Reilly and Doku Fitness Updates Ahead of Man United
City Xtra · Vayam Lahoti · 2026-09-11T10:13:36+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued an update on his side's fitness ahead of Sunday's trip to face Manchester United.
The Blues can extend their winning streak this season to five games in all competitions with three points at Old Trafford on Sunday.
City won 2-0 in Porto in the opening fixture of their UEFA Champions League group-phase on Tuesday night, with Erling Haaland grabbing a brace in the second-half.
Maresca's men lead the Premier League table heading into the Manchester derby, with the Italian leading City into a new era following the summer departure of Pep Guardiola as manager.
Three wins in three against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City have helped Manchester City turn the ship around after August's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
Maresca Hands Fitness Updates on O'Reilly and Doku
Sunday's trip across town poses Maresca's biggest test since his own return to the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City's new-look squad expected to compete for major trophies after a significant remake of the dressing room this summer.
Jeremy Doku has missed the Blues' opening weeks of the season after suffering a calf injury against Arsenal last month, while Nico O'Reilly was taken out of the starting XI against Coventry after suffering a back issue in the warm-up.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday morning, Maresca confirmed that O'Reilly is "100 percent" available to face Manchester United while Doku needs "some more days".
How Could Man City Line Up Against Man United?
O'Reilly is expected to return to the starting XI at Old Trafford, with Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez also expected to start in the middle of the park.
Rayan Cherki struggled in the second-half of the midweek game in Portugal and could be looked past for the derby, meaning Phil Foden could be in line for a start out wide.
With Doku out, Antoine Semenyo looks set to occupy the left side of attack after forging a strong partnership with Erling Haaland in the opening weeks of the season.
Marc Guehi has been tried out in central midfield a few times by Maresca this term but the England international is expected to retain his place in defence alongside Ruben Dias.
City were far from their best in this fixture last season, with Carrick's side running out 2-0 winners in the former Manchester United midfielder's first game in charge after Ruben Amorim's sacking in January.
The Blues will be desperate to build on their positive start to the season with a vital three points across town, with United's formidable attack set to hand a real assessment of Manchester City's midfield and backline.