Man City XI vs Sunderland: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

Enzo Maresca gets major injury boost for Etihad Stadium clash

Manchester City welcome Jeremy Doku back from injury for today’s visit of Sunderland in the Premier League.

The Belgian winger is yet to play any competitive minutes this season after suffering a calf problem during the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal last month.

Since then, Antoine Semenyo and Phil Foden have been Enzo Maresca’s go-to wide men, while Brazilian Allan was signed from Palmeiras to replace the departed Savio, who joined Tottenham.

In the Carabao Cup against Norwich, where City ran out 5-0 victors, Allan made his long-anticipated debut, scoring the third goal at the Etihad Stadium.

There was also a brace for young striker Floyd Samba, who stepped in for Erling Haaland, but it is unlikely that selection will translate over into the Premier League, with the Norwegian star handed a complete rest by Maresca.

Another City youngster, Ryan McAidoo, also found the net against the Norwich, having replaced Rayan Cherki at half time.

Maresca rotated heavily from the 1-0 Manchester derby victory last weekend, with his entire defensive quintet switched out.

Leading the line: Erling Haaland is back up front for Manchester City against Sunderland

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Geronimo Rulli made his debut in goal, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is reinstated between the sticks here.

Vitor Reis also made his first appearance for City since returning from his loan at sister club Girona, starting alongside Abdukodir Khusanov, while Rico Lewis was given a run-out at right-back. Matheus Nunes returns there today.

Nico O’Reilly also made his first start against Norwich since pulling out of the lineup against Coventry with a back problem picked up in the warm-up.

However, he is replaced today by Josko Gvardiol at left-back as Marc Guehi partners Ruben Dias in the middle.

In the engine room, Mateo Kovacic and new boy Ayyoub Bouaddi were both afforded 90 minutes on Thursday, while Cherki, the only survivor from the derby win, was sacrificed at the interval.

Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson return in the pivot against Sunderland with Cherki ahead of them, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Allan are switched out, with Semenyo coming back in.

There was a question mark over who replaces Foden, with the England international suspended after his controversial red card against Manchester United.

Iliman Ndiaye did not feature at all in midweek but starts on Sunday, while Doku is on the bench.