First test for Maresca
Enzo Maresca's first injury blow as Manchester City boss has arrived before a competitive ball has been kicked. Jeremy Doku is facing two to three weeks out with a calf problem picked up in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
The winger was withdrawn at half-time at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, a match that ended 3-0 in Arsenal's favour. It was a worrying sight for City fans, and the concern has proven well founded.
What Doku will miss
The Belgian will sit out the opening Premier League fixtures. That means no Doku for the visit of Bournemouth on 23 August, the trip to Crystal Palace on 28 August, or the home meeting with Coventry City on 5 September.
If the worst-case scenario materialises, there should still be time for a return to training before the visit to Old Trafford on 13 September. That, at least, offers some comfort.
Grealish question lingers
With Doku sidelined, the spotlight falls on Jack Grealish, who replaced him in the Community Shield. The 30-year-old has been handed the No.18 shirt for the new season, but that does not necessarily mean he will be wearing it in competitive action.
Everton remain strongly linked with a move for Grealish, while a return to Aston Villa has been suggested by the bookmakers. There is little obvious reason for that particular rumour to have surfaced, but it persists.
Staying at the Etihad cannot be completely dismissed, though an exit still looks the likelier outcome. Either way, Maresca may need to find solutions on the left flank sooner than he would have liked.