Manchester City star reveals fresh fitness strategy after previous 217-day injury absence

Jeremy Doku has revealed what he needs to do to stay fit after an injury hit few years.

The speedy winger has hit the ground running at the Etihad club after making the move from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a reported fee of €60 million late in the summer transfer window. 

While initially coming in as a reported squad player, Doku found a rich vein of form after arriving in Manchester, scoring an important goal in Manchester City’s victory away to West Ham in his first start for the club. 

The Belgian was brought in response to a double departure of wingers from Pep Guardiola’s squad, with both Cole Palmer and Riyad Mahrez leaving for considerable fees during the off-season. 

But after missing over 200 days and 50 games in the past two years with a variety of lower body injuries, questions were raised about his durability upon signing for the Blues. 

Speaking while on international duty after a call-up by Domenico Tedesco Belgium, Doku revealed what he does to keep the niggling injuries at bay. 

“I don’t train differently,” Doku said in quotes relayed by Sports Witness.

“I haven’t been injured since March. Injuries are part of my profile and my playing style. I know my body better now. That helps me to avoid injuries.”  

Doku’s rapid pace and ability to take defenders on was said to be a particularly attractive asset when City looked to the 21-year-old to bolster their attacking ranks in the summer, but the injuries could be in the back of the Etihad hierarchy’s mind.

Nonetheless, Doku has remained fit since making the move to the Premier League and has added a new dimension to Manchester City’s attack, who appeared to be prepared to head into the new season relatively thin on the flanks before pulling the trigger. 

Despite six wins through their first six games, Manchester City headed into the October international break in third place in the Premier League after losing two straight games in the competition for the first time since 2018, with losses to Wolves and Arsenal respectively. 

After the break, City return to action in a league showdown with Brighton and Hove Albion before traveling to Switzerland for a Champions League clash against Young Boys.