The key Man City games Jeremy Doku will miss after shattering blow

Enzo Maresca has already been dealt his first injury blow as Manchester City boss before the 2026-27 campaign has kicked off.

His side were embarrassed by Arsenal in the Community Shield, losing 3-0 at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, 16 August.

It was far from the ideal start under Pep Guardiola's successor, barely putting up a fight against the reigning Premier League champions.

Supporters should still be confident of a positive season at the Etihad Stadium, though, with the Citizens kicking off the league season against Bournemouth.

Ahead of the game, Maresca was quizzed on incoming and outgoing transfers, any injury news, and his concerns ahead of the new season.

Sadly, he will be without Jeremy Doku, who the manager revealed would be sidelined for "two to three weeks" witha calf injury sustained against Arsenal.

Jeremy Doku could return for the Manchester derby

The tricky winger was replaced at half-time during the Community Shield, which was already a concerning move for Man City at 2-0 down.

While Maresca has options to fill the left flank, it will be a disappointing start to the campaign not to have his first-choice winger available.

Football Insider has taken a look at the games he could miss during his period on the sidelines, with the hope of returning for the Manchester derby.

- Sunday, 23 August: Premier League, Bournemouth (H)

- Friday, 28 August: Premier League, Crystal Palace (A)

- Saturday, 5 September: Premier League, Coventry City (H)

If three weeks is the worst-case scenario, Doku would have enough time to train before the Citizens travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, 13 September.

What does this mean for Jack Grealish?

Jack Grealish has been handed the No.18 shirt ahead of the new season, but that doesn't mean that his future lies at the Etihad Stadium.

Everton, of course, are strongly linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who replaced Doku in the Community Shield, but new favourites have emerged.

A return to Aston Villa could be on the cards if the bookmakers are to be believed, but there is no real reason for these rumours to start.

Remaining at the Etihad should not be completely ruled out for Grealish, but the same as throughout the summer, an exit is far more likely.