Doku Back in the Fold After Calf Setback
Jeremy Doku is back. The Belgian winger returned to action for the final 15 minutes of City's 5-3 win over Sunderland last Sunday, and in that brief cameo he showed exactly what the Blues have been missing.
Doku had been out since suffering a calf injury in the 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. That setback kept him sidelined for the first six matches of the season, a frustrating spell for a player whose direct running gives City a different attacking edge.
Instant Impact at the Etihad
Enzo Maresca brought Doku on for Iliman Ndiaye in the 75th minute, and within moments the winger was involved in the fifth goal. He played Josko Gvardiol in on City's left-hand side, and the defender's through ball set up Erling Haaland to score. It was a move that showcased Doku's ability to unlock a defence with a single pass.
He wasn't finished there. Doku teed up Nico O'Reilly with a similar type of ball from the left, a chance that should have made it 6-3. Two opportunities created in 15 minutes – that's the kind of output that makes City even more dangerous in the final third.
The win over Sunderland made it seven wins from seven in all competitions, a perfect start to the campaign. Doku's return adds another dynamic option to an already potent attack.
Two Weeks Off for Several Blues
Due to injury, Doku was not included in the Belgian squad for the current international break. According to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Doku, Matheus Nunes, Phil Foden, Allan and Rico Lewis will now have two weeks off.
That rest period could be invaluable as City look to maintain their momentum when domestic football resumes. For Doku, it's a chance to build on a promising cameo and remind everyone why he was signed.