With five crucial games lined up over the next two weeks, the last thing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola needed was an injury to one of his most impactful players. Unfortunately for City fans, winger Jeremy Doku is set to miss a considerable stretch of matches due to an injury. Known for his blistering pace and ability to terrorize defenders, Doku has quickly established himself as a valuable asset to City’s offensive lineup, and his absence will be keenly felt.
Doku’s form has been impressive since joining Manchester City. The 21-year-old Belgian international, renowned for his agility and fearless dribbling, has recorded two goals and two assists in the Premier League this season (as per transfermarkt), showcasing his knack for creativity and decisive plays. His performances have led to high praise from Guardiola, who previously described Doku as “exceptional,” underlining just how valuable he is to City’s attack. His injury, which he sustained during City’s recent clash with Wolves, is expected to keep him sidelined until after the upcoming international break. This means Doku will miss a crucial run of fixtures, including Premier League games against Southampton, Bournemouth, and Brighton, as well as high-stakes cup clashes in both the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
This period of absences couldn’t come at a more challenging time for Guardiola, who is already managing a demanding schedule that puts his squad depth to the test. City’s upcoming matches are densely packed over the next 14 days, with the Round of 16 Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur and a vital Champions League fixture against Sporting also on the calendar. Guardiola’s squad will need to find ways to stay competitive without Doku’s explosiveness on the wing, and this task will require a recalibration of City’s offense. City’s recent struggles with injuries, not only to Doku but also to other key players like defensive midfielder Rodri, have increased scrutiny on the grueling demands placed on top players by their clubs’ congested schedules. It’s little wonder, then, that Rodri recently voiced support for a potential player strike to address player welfare and the toll of excessive fixture congestion.
City fans will now be looking to Jack Grealish to fill the void left by Doku’s absence. The England international, who was instrumental in City’s Premier League and Champions League successes last season, has had a less impactful start to the current campaign. Despite a slow start, Grealish’s skillset and experience could make him an essential player in Doku’s absence, as Guardiola may call on him to shoulder greater responsibility in creating chances and maintaining City’s attack on the left flank. Grealish has proven that he can deliver in high-pressure moments, and City supporters will be hoping that this is the moment he rediscovers the form that made him so pivotal in last season’s campaign. Speculation over Grealish’s future has already begun to circulate, with rumors suggesting a possible move back to his former club, Aston Villa. While such rumors are far from confirmed, this period without Doku could serve as an important test for Grealish, both to reestablish his place in City’s squad and to prove his value to Guardiola.
Guardiola’s approach to handling Doku’s absence will also spotlight his ability to adapt City’s game strategy mid-season. While City has one of the Premier League’s deepest squads, capable of fielding talent across multiple positions, there is no direct replacement for Doku’s unique skill set. His speed and direct style of play offer a different dimension to City’s attack, providing an effective alternative to their intricate passing game. Without him, Guardiola may need to rely more heavily on players like Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden to drive creativity, while also finding ways to rotate his lineup to manage fatigue. Foden’s versatility and Silva’s experience could play a crucial role in supporting Grealish and sustaining City’s offensive strength in these upcoming matches.
Beyond just one player’s absence, Doku’s injury is a reminder of the physical toll that City’s demanding schedule imposes on its players. Top European clubs like Manchester City face relentless match schedules across multiple tournaments, which strains players and can lead to an increased risk of injury. Guardiola’s comments and Rodri’s vocal stance suggest that City, like many elite clubs, may be reaching a tipping point with these concerns. Guardiola himself has previously highlighted the importance of player health and questioned the demands of modern football schedules, arguing that the intensity and frequency of matches are unsustainable. Rodri’s comments further amplify this sentiment, as he warned that players may be forced to consider drastic actions, such as striking, if their welfare continues to be overlooked.
City’s current challenges emphasize a broader conversation happening across the football world, one that increasingly advocates for a more balanced schedule to safeguard players’ health. As the club navigates these upcoming games without Doku, Guardiola and his coaching staff will undoubtedly be hoping to avoid any additional injuries. The next two weeks could see City fans learning more than ever about the club’s squad depth, their resilience in the face of key absences, and the readiness of players like Grealish and Foden to step up. While Doku’s return will be eagerly anticipated, this challenging period offers a valuable opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion and ensure that City remains competitive in their pursuit of success across all fronts.