Manchester City Faces Absences in Champions League Opener

Manchester City will launch their UEFA Champions League campaign at the Estádio do Dragão tomorrow night knowing they are already two men down.

Enzo Maresca’s side, handed a demanding draw in the new league phase, treat the trip to FC Porto as an early marker in their European season. The stakes feel high, and the squad list tells its own story.

Doku and O’Reilly ruled out

City held an open training session earlier today, and two absences immediately stood out. Jeremy Doku and Nico O’Reilly were nowhere to be seen on the grass.

Doku is still recovering from the calf injury he picked up against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield three weeks ago, a setback that has stalled his start to the season. O’Reilly, meanwhile, suffered a back injury in the warm-up before City’s 1-0 win over Coventry City on Saturday, cutting short his involvement before a ball was even kicked.

The pressure finally told when the travelling squad for Porto was confirmed. Neither Doku nor O’Reilly made the list, ending any lingering hope of a late fitness boost.

Maresca will now have to navigate a testing Champions League opener without two of his attacking options, in a stadium that rarely offers visiting sides any comfort.