Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has explained Nico O'Reilly's absence from the England squad for November. The 21-year-old has yet to reach full fitness because of health problems, according to Maresca, who believes the international break should help him complete his recovery.
Thomas Tuchel left O'Reilly out of the England squad for their upcoming Nations League matches. His City team-mate Phil Foden was also omitted.
O'Reilly was named Premier League Young Player of the Season last term and started several matches at left-back for England at the 2026 World Cup.
However, he has had less playing time since Maresca's appointment.
‘Nico is still not 100 per cent fit’
O'Reilly's problems began in September, when he felt pain in his back during the warm-up before a match against Coventry and was unable to play.
Since then, the defender has not started two consecutive matches for City.
Maresca believes a lack of playing time may have influenced Tuchel's decision, but sees no cause for concern.
It's quite simple with Nico. He has had problems since the start of the season: first his back before the Coventry game, then, unfortunately, other issues arose. He is still not 100 per cent fit.
I really liked him in the last game. I think he had a great game, and that's exactly what we need.
The main thing is to keep him healthy. I have no doubt he will return to the England squad in the future.
Rest is exactly what he needs now. He has to use the international break to recover properly, undergo the necessary treatment and come back fully fit afterwards.
