Doku ruled out for several weeks after calf injury clouds City's Premier League opener

Jeremy Doku will miss Manchester City’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth on Sunday after sustaining a calf injury during the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the Principality Stadium, with Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad reporting the winger is set to be sidelined for several weeks.

Doku lasted just 45 minutes of the 3-0 loss to Arsenal before being replaced at half-time by Jack Grealish. The exact length of his absence remains unclear, but the report suggests the injury is connected to previous fitness issues and may be a lingering consequence of his workload at the World Cup with Belgium, where he featured in five of their six matches.

The setback is a significant one for new City head coach Enzo Maresca, who is preparing for his first competitive Premier League match in charge after succeeding Pep Guardiola in the summer. Doku was one of City’s most influential players last season, making 47 appearances, scoring eight goals and contributing 14 assists as the club won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Maresca was already reflecting on a difficult Community Shield performance after Riccardo Calafiori’s goal inside the opening 30 seconds set the tone for Arsenal’s dominant display, with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard also finding the net for Mikel Arteta’s side.

“I think a big part of the game is in the first goal we conceded unfortunately after 30 seconds,” Maresca said post-match. “The reaction was good. Before they scored the second goal, we had three, four chances to score and to draw the game. Unfortunately we missed the chance, and then with the second goal, it became more difficult.”

The Italian remained measured despite the defeat, adding: “In general I’m always concerned, even when we win. This is just the beginning and we have many things we need to do better, but I think it was a good reaction after the first we conceded.”

City will now face Bournemouth without one of their most dynamic attacking options as they look to open their league campaign with a win.