Man City injury latest: Jeremy Doku, Savinho and more
Manchester City stayed firmly in the title conversation with a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield, a result that keeps pressure on Arsenal at the Premier League summit. Pep Guardiola’s side closed the gap to six points, thanks in part to a timely equaliser from Bernardo Silva and the welcome sight of Ruben Dias back in action after a hamstring lay off.
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The focus now shifts to availability as Man City prepare for a busy run of fixtures, with key names such as Jeremy Doku and Savinho edging towards returns that could shape the next phase of the campaign.
Jeremy Doku Fitness Status
Jeremy Doku has missed the past three matches and remains out of full training. Guardiola confirmed before the trip to Merseyside that the Belgian winger had yet to rejoin sessions with the group. His absence has limited City’s ability to stretch play in wide areas, particularly against compact defensive blocks.
The current expectation is that Doku could be in contention for the home fixture against Newcastle on February 21. His pace and directness have been a useful tool in breaking open tight games, and Man City will be keen to reintegrate him without risking a setback.
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Savinho Recovery Timeline
Savinho is progressing after a quad injury sustained against Sunderland in early January. His absence prompted movement in the transfer market, with Antoine Semenyo arriving to provide depth in wide positions.
Guardiola’s most recent update suggested cautious optimism. He described the Brazilian as “still stuck” but added that he had “ran on the pitch”. The manager also set a loose timeframe of “two weeks or three weeks” for a possible return. A place in the squad for the February 14 fixture with Salford remains a realistic target.
Savinho’s return would give Man City another one v one threat, something that has been missed during his spell on the sidelines.
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Defensive Concerns and Khusanov Impact
Abdukodir Khusanov has enjoyed a run of starts and was selected ahead of Dias at Anfield. His afternoon ended early after a collision with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma left him needing to be withdrawn around the hour mark. Guardiola did not provide a medical update after the match, though he praised the defender’s display on a demanding stage.
“Khusanov’s first time in Anfield,” Guardiola said.
“Coming from Uzbekistan, six months in France, coming here, first time here, against [Hugo] Ekitike, [Mohamed] Salah… what a game he played, that guy,”
Khusanov could still be available for Fulham on February 11, fitness permitting. Elsewhere in defence, Josko Gvardiol remains a long term absentee after breaking his leg on New Year’s Day, leaving Dias’ return even more significant.
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Midfield and Squad Depth Outlook
John Stones has resumed training after a thigh problem that has kept him out since December’s 5-4 win at Fulham. He was not included in the matchday squad at Anfield, though a return against Salford on February 14 has been pencilled in.
Mateo Kovacic continues rehabilitation following ankle surgery in November. The Croatian midfielder is targeting a comeback in March, potentially away at West Ham, which would bolster options in the engine room as the title race tightens.
For Man City, the coming weeks revolve around careful management of Jeremy Doku, Savinho and a stretched squad. Reinforcements arriving from the treatment room could prove as decisive as any January signing.
