Jeremy Doku Sends Word of Warning to Manchester City's Title Rivals Following Injury Return
Manchester City star Jeremy Doku has recently revealed that he is in ‘top shape’ since returning to action following his recovery from an injury setback that he suffered in August.
Jeremy Doku has fired a warning to Manchester City's title rivals.
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The 24-year-old arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Rennes on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of £55.5 million in August 2023.
The Belgian experienced discomfort in his calf and came off the pitch at the beginning of the second half in Manchester City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on August 16.
The calf injury marked to be Doku’s third setback since December 2025, keeping him out of action for six club games, including their first four Premier League matches.
The forward then returned to the pitch by coming off the bench to replace Iliman Ndiaye in the 75th minute during City’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland on September 19.
However, he was not part of Belgium National Team squad in the last international break as he continued his recovery after a disappointing start to the season.
I know I can hurt anyone, says Man City's Doku on his injury comeback
While he was unable to make it to international duty, the break appears to have been a boon for Doku in his recovery process, as it allowed him more time to focus on improving his fitness and return to action in better form. He has made two goal contributions since returning to action after the international break.
The attacker was handed his senior debut for his boyhood club R.S.C. Anderlecht in November 2018 by former head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, who then parted ways with the Belgian Pro League side the following month.
Vanhaezebrouck, who is now a pundit for Play Sports, recently visited Doku in Manchester and discussed the situation around the forward’s injury setback, recovery, and comeback.
Following the international break, the Anderlecht graduate made his return to the pitch by coming off the bench and netting a goal in the 68th minute of Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on October 11.
Speaking about his return to action and performance against the Reds in conversation with Vanhaezebrouck, Doku said: “In five to six weeks, you miss a lot of matches," as quoted by Sport Witness.
"There is also a new staff and then you miss a lot. Sometimes it’s good to reset. When I came back, I felt great. I felt in top shape on the bench against Liverpool. I know I can hurt anyone."
Following their victory against Liverpool, Doku provided an assist in Manchester City’s 3-2 league win over Ipswich Town in the next week, and was on the pitch for the entirety of 90 minutes in their most recent outing against Aston Villa - a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
Doku reveals Maresca’s demands mirror those of Guardiola
Doku arrived at City during Pep Guardiola’s seventh year in charge as the club’s head coach, playing three seasons under the Catalan manager, during which he registered 22 goals and 34 assists in 131 appearances across all competitions.
With Enzo Maresca taking over the reins from Guardiola this summer, Manchester City’s number 11 mentioned that both managers have similar demands from him on the pitch and added,
“He [Maresca] and Pep are asking for pretty much the same thing. Do your thing on the wing, be dangerous and create chances," Doku added.
It appears that Doku has returned to action with full recovery and confidence, and will be looking to outperform his own contributions last season, where he netted eight goals and provided 14 assists in 47 matches.
Maresca and co are now set to host Brighton and Hove Albion twice in one week, with the first being the Carabao Cup fourth round tie on Wednesday night - followed by a league clash with the Seagulls on Saturday.