Jeremy Doku injury severity revealed as Manchester City plot season-long strategy for winger

The severity of the injury sustained by Jeremy Doku during the 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday afternoon has been detailed in a new report in Belgium.

The Belgian international forward was withdrawn just seven minutes into the second-half of a dramatic contest with Ange Postecoglou’s side, as Manchester City were held to a third successive draw in Premier League action.

Doku has been in inspired form for the Premier League champions so far this season, having acclimatised to life in England swiftly following a big-money move from French giants Stade Rennes during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Manchester City have often looked towards Jeremy Doku for the spark in attack that would inspire goalscoring opportunities this season, with the 21-year-old’s blistering turn of pace and quick feet largely being deemed as unstoppable by opposition defenders.

However, Doku has faced his first setback since joining Pep Guardiola’s armoury this season, having picked up an injury concern at the weekend leaving his availability for upcoming matches in doubt.

According to a new report from Belgian newspaper HLN, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness this week, Jeremy Doku’s latest injury setback ‘is not serious’ but Manchester City are not willing to take any risks with the player moving forwards.

It is claimed that those within the Etihad Stadium – both in first-team focussed positions and medical departments – believe that ‘prevention is better than cure’, and such a strategy is relevant to the process surrounding Doku.

Pep Guardiola’s attention to detail is also referred to, as the report claims that the Catalan coach ‘constantly bombards’ Manchester City medical staff with questions, setting the bar high and demanding answers but refusing to force players into action.

Manchester City’s trip to face Aston Villa in Premier League action on Wednesday night may come too soon for Jeremy Doku, and given the strategy being employed by club officials, a seat on the bench may be most likely for the player.

Pep Guardiola is more likely to turn to the likes of Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden in the wider roles against Unai Emery’s men, with Jack Grealish also unavailable due to a one-match suspension alongside Rodri following an accumulation of yellow cards.