Ahead of their Premier League clash with Sunderland, Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is juggling injury issues while also receiving some encouraging news. Phil Foden will miss the game due to suspension, but the manager is hopeful that Jeremy Doku can make his long-awaited return after recovering from a calf injury sustained prior to the Community Shield.
Doku's potential comeback could provide City with some much-needed depth on the flanks. In Foden's absence, Ryan Cherki could shift over to the right side, assuming a playmaker role. Enzo Fernandez is expected to push closer to the attack, with Ayub Bouaddi set to make his first Premier League start alongside Elliot Anderson. Overall, the Citizens are heading into an extended international break without new injury concerns, and Maresca will be hoping for a clean bill of health for his players returning from international duty in October.
Manchester City's likely line-up (4-2-3-1):
Donnarumma — Nunes, Dias, Gehi, Guardiola — Bouaddi, Anderson — Cherki, Fernandez, Semenyo — Haaland.
Sunderland arrive at the Sunday match following a successful debut in the Europa League, with new signing Malik Fofana starting strongly on the left flank. The coaching staff is gradually integrating the young player into the first team after his late summer transfer. Ecuadorian Nilson Angulo is likely to replace the former Lyon youth player on the wing, while Brian Brobbey will certainly lead the line in place of Wilson Isidora. Defender Reynaldo is serving a one-match suspension following a red card in the game against Arsenal, so summer signing Dayan Metali may fill in on the left side of defence.
The Black Cats will definitely be without Romen Mandl and Habib Diarra. Mandl is unlikely to return until the end of the year due to a serious knee injury, while Omar Alderete’s participation is also in serious doubt due to a knock picked up in the match against AZ.
Sunderland's likely line-up (4-2-3-1):
Ruffs — Mukiele, Ballard, Danso, Metali — Dzhaka, Sadiki — Mounie, Le Fe, Angulo — Brobbey.
