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Manchester City head to Old Trafford this Sunday for the opening Manchester derby of the 2026–27 campaign.
Entering the first derby without Pep Guardiola at the helm in ten years, Enzo Maresca's squad arrives in excellent shape, having claimed victory in all three of their Premier League fixtures to date, with Erling Haaland delivering his trademark brilliance.
Concerns had been raised over whether star left back Nico O'Reilly would be available for the trip to United due to injury, but he has since been cleared to play, providing a major lift for the Cityzens.
However, City are not entirely without problems, as another key player is set to be absent from the fixture.
Jérémy Doku to Miss Manchester Derby
Jeremy Doku is the sole Manchester City absentee for Sunday's showdown with United, as the Belgian winger continues his recovery from a calf problem.
Doku has been on the sidelines since picking up the injury during August's Community Shield loss to Arsenal.
Speaking in the build-up to the derby, Maresca confirmed that the 24-year-old requires additional time before he can return to the pitch.
"Jérémy, I think he needs some more days," the City manager said.
Doku's unavailability is a notable setback for City, especially considering the impressive form he displayed last season. The winger produced the finest campaign of his City career, netting eight goals and registering an outstanding 14 assists.
Two of those assists came in the fixture against United, as City eased to a 3–0 win over the Red Devils in their opening Premier League encounter of the season.
It is understood that Doku's return, as Maresca suggests, is only days away, and supporters will be hoping to see the Belgium international get some game time in midweek during the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.
Doku could well be ready to start City's next Premier League match the following weekend, when Sunderland come to the Etihad.