Doku Injury Hands Arsenal Boost In Premier League Title Race
Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is sidelined with a muscular injury, a development that could tilt the balance in Arsenal’s favour as the Premier League title race intensifies.
Manchester City have been dealt a significant injury blow with Jeremy Doku ruled out after picking up a muscular leg problem, a setback that arrives as Arsenal apply pressure at the top of the Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that Doku sustained the injury during City’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid, an incident that forced the Belgian winger to miss the subsequent league trip to Crystal Palace. City still secured victory in that match, but the absence of one of their most dynamic attackers was keenly felt.
The 23 year old has been a central figure in City’s attacking structure this season, offering explosive pace, direct dribbling and defensive work rate from wide areas. His ability to destabilise compact defences has been crucial in tight matches, making his absence particularly timely for Arsenal as the title race gathers momentum.
City have already negotiated their League Cup quarter final against Brentford successfully, but the focus now shifts to navigating the festive period without Doku. Guardiola has indicated the winger could be sidelined for up to three weeks, with a return around the new year the most realistic target.
With Arsenal maintaining consistency and refusing to drop points, any disruption to City’s rhythm carries added significance. Doku’s injury limits Guardiola’s rotation options and places greater responsibility on the remaining wide players to maintain intensity across competitions.
The injury is understood to be muscular, an issue City are unlikely to rush given the risk of recurrence. Medical staff are expected to manage Doku carefully, prioritising a full recovery over an early comeback.
As the title battle tightens, Arsenal will sense an opportunity. City remain formidable, but the temporary loss of a key attacking outlet could prove influential in a season where margins at the top are increasingly fine.
