Nico OReilly cleared for Manchester derby as Jeremy Doku remains out

Nico O’Reilly is available for Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, but Jeremy Doku will miss the Manchester derby.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed O’Reilly has recovered from the injury which forced him to withdraw from the starting line-up shortly before last weekend’s match against Coventry.

Doku, however, requires more time before returning to action.

“Nico is 100 per cent available and Jeremy needs some more days,” Maresca said.

Maresca expects the atmosphere at Old Trafford to be hostile but said Manchester City’s players must ensure their attention remains on the match rather than the occasion surrounding it.

“The most important thing for the players is to be focused on the game,” he said.

“The main focus has to be the game plan: how we can win, press and be better. That is the main thing.”

The Manchester City manager also praised Manchester United boss Michael Carrick for his work since taking charge, saying he had handled a difficult situation effectively.

“He is doing a fantastic job since last season,” Maresca said. “He took over in a complicated situation and finished very well.

“This season, more or less, has started in the same way. He’s doing a very good job.”

Maresca acknowledged the significance of the fixture for both clubs and their supporters, describing the derby as a special occasion.

“It’s very important for different reasons,” he said. “We know how important a derby is, especially here, for the club, for the fans, for everyone.

“It’s a special game. The most important thing we can do is try to be ourselves in the way we have been.”

He was also asked about Elliot Anderson’s description of Manchester City as the “kings of Manchester”.

Maresca said Anderson’s assessment was understandable because Manchester City had been dominant for much of the past 15 years.

“Probably the reason why Elliot said that was that he grew up in the last 15 years,” Maresca said. “Man City were unbelievable with what they achieved. It’s normal Elliot said that.

“If you go back, then it’s a different picture, but when he grew up Man City were dominant.”

Manchester City will have had more time to rest before Sunday’s match, although Maresca does not believe that advantage will disrupt Manchester United’s preparation.

“Sometimes it happens in football,” he said. “I don’t have any doubts Man Utd will be ready for that. It’s just a matter of adapting.”