Why isn't Jérémy Doku playing for Manchester City vs. Porto today in the Champions League?

City are without the Belgian winger again as Enzo Maresca provides an injury update before the Champions League opener. Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe's leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports. Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe's leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports. Manchester City face a trip to Porto in their first Champions League game since Pep Guardiola's departure and will again be without one of their key attacking weapons, winger Jérémy Doku. The Belgian star hasn't played for Enzo Maresca's side since the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Aug. 16, when he was forced off at halftime with a calf injury. As a result, Doku has missed three consecutive Premier League victories against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Coventry and isn't yet ready to return for City's first European game of the campaign. Maresca provides update on Doku's return In his pregame press conference ahead of Tuesday's game in Portugal, Maresca was asked whether the 24-year-old would be available for next week's derby against Manchester United, to which he responded he was 'not sure.' It's time to get to work in the @ChampionsLeague 💪 pic.twitter.com/c61qcMFP8r — Manchester City (@ManCity) September 8, 2026 Another injury concern for City In addition to Doku, Nico O'Reilly didn't travel to Porto after suffering a back injury during the warm-up before Saturday's win over Coventry. That issue, however, isn't considered serious, with Maresca explaining he expects to have the England international available for the Manchester derby. With Doku still absent, either Antoine Semenyo or summer signing Iliman Ndiaye is likely to start on the left wing, tasked with supplying the bullets for striker Erling Haaland, who has scored three goals in his last two games. Related stories Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere. And there's more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.