Man City XI vs Sunderland: Doku injury latest, confirmed team news and predicted lineup for Premier League | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola could be handed injury boost for first game of 2026

It seems likely that Doku would be eased back in from the bench, with Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden in brilliant form either side of Erling Haaland.

Rodri could get some minutes from the bench after returning to the squad at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Jeremy Doku has not played since the Champions League win at Real Madrid on December 10

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The midfielder has not played since the start of November and his return to fitness is a major boost for City in their title fight with Arsenal, who pulled five points clear at the top of the Premier League with their 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

John Stones and Oscar Bobb remain unavailable.

“Maybe Rodri can play a few minutes,” said Guardiola ahead of the Sunderland game. “We need it desperately. Doku maybe. John and Oscar no.”

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are still both away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mateo Kovacic is continuing his rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

Guardiola has used a settled City line-up in recent weeks but there could be a few changes amid a busy schedule.

City are closing in on a deal for Antoine Semenyo but the Bournemouth winger has not been signed in time for the Sunderland game.

Man City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders; Cherki, Haaland, Foden

Doubts: Rodri, Doku

Unavailable: Ait-Nouri, Marmoush (AFCON)

Time and date: 8pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026

Venue: Stadium of Light

How to watch: Sky Sports and NOW