(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is sweating on the fitness of two of his most influential players ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The Blues make the short trip to Old Trafford this weekend to lock horns with Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.
Maresca provides team news update pre-United trip
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Both sides are in Champions League action this week, though City will have two extra days of recovery; they beat Porto 2-0 last night, whereas United don’t face Sabah until Thursday evening.
Maresca, meanwhile, is hoping he will have Nico O’Reilly and Jeremy Doku back in his ranks to face the Red Devils, with the duo missing out against both Coventry City and Porto.
The Belgian has yet to feature since the Community Shield final back in August, and is set to remain on the sidelines in the coming days.
“I don’t know if he can be available for the weekend [against United], but slowly, slowly he is back,” said Maresca.
As for O’Reilly, he started City’s opening two Premier League fixtures before sustaining a back problem in the side’s warm-up on Saturday afternoon, rendering him unavailable for the last two outings.
#ManCity training today: ❌ Nico O’Reilly❌ Jeremy Doku✅ Allan Elias pic.twitter.com/InItfKN9DE — City Report (@cityreport_) September 7, 2026
However, Maresca has stated that the 21-year-old will ‘probably’ return in time to play a part in the M16 encounter.
How are United shaping up ahead hosting City?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Amad Diallo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Carrick is also navigating injury concerns of his own, as Marcus Rashford was hooked in the 70th minute against Everton after signalling he was in discomfort.
"He felt a little bit of something so we had to change him." Michael Carrick explains why Marcus Rashford was subbed off against Everton 🔊 pic.twitter.com/3khh30rdZN — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
Amad Diallo is awaiting his first minutes of the campaign after suffering a setback during pre-season, and it’s expected he could be out until after the international break in October.
Mason Mount made the matchday squad for the first time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but was an unused substitute, so he’ll likely make his first appearance of the term this week.
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England.
Micah Richards and Gary Lineker
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.