Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca expects Nico O’Reilly to be fit for the Manchester derby but is unsure if Jeremy Doku will be able to feature.
Mariska’s side opens UEFA Champions League campaign at Porto on Tuesday, before making the shorter trip to Old Trafford on Sunday for the first derby match under the Italian’s supervision.
City achieved three victories from three matches in the English Premier League last Saturday, with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City.
O’Reilly did not participate in that match after suffering an injury during the warm-up. Meanwhile, winger Doku has not played since the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield due to a calf injury.
Maresca is optimistic about the City duo
Both players will miss the match at Estadio do Dragao, however, at least one of them should be available for the derby.
Asked how ready they were for the clash with Michael Carrick’s men in the pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “Nico maybe yes, Jeremy we’re not sure yet, we need to wait.
“Jeremy was injured in the Community Shield, that was three weeks ago.
He added: “But he is back. I don’t know if he is available for the weekend, but he is slowly coming back.”
It was very difficult for Maresca to act to succeed Pep Guardiola.
This week will provide an indication of City’s progress under the former Chelsea boss since a disappointing Community Shield showing as they face two tough away games in two different competitions.
But right-back Mateus Nunes has been impressed with Maresca’s influence so far.
“He brought a lot of energy, and there seems to be a new energy around him,” Nunes said. “He has very good energy. He sets the standard.”
When asked about Marisca’s comparison to Guardiola, Nunes said: “I was with Pep for three seasons and Enzo for only two months.
“Maybe I can answer that question in a few months. They’re both very passionate, so I see more comparisons than differences.”
