Jeremy Doku has opened up on a worrying moment in the Manchester Derby that could have changed his season, revealing he feared a long spell on the sidelines after a painful challenge from Diogo Dalot. Speaking candidly about the incident, the Manchester City winger also addressed the constant fouls he faces and the unfair “diver” label that often follows attacking wide players like him.
The Belgian was caught early in City’s recent trip to Old Trafford when Dalot’s studs scraped across his knee during a fierce challenge. Although Doku bravely played on for most of the match, the impact was clear in the days that followed. He missed City’s Champions League defeat away to Bodo/Glimt and was only fit enough for a cameo appearance from the bench against Wolves at the weekend.
Dalot was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, while VAR official Craig Pawson ruled that the contact was “glancing” and not serious enough to warrant a red card. Pep Guardiola strongly disagreed. The City manager later argued that the challenge could have resulted in a serious injury and criticised PGMOL chief Howard Webb for quickly dismissing concerns around the incident.
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Now, Doku himself has shared just how close he came to a lengthy absence.
“I can only say that I continued to play but it was painful to play in Norway,” Doku admitted, in comments reported by the Manchester Evening News. “You guys know my feelings about it. I could have been out for a long time.
“It happened and I didn’t play in Norway but I don’t want to go too deep into it. It’s in the past now. Thankfully, I wasn’t seriously injured and I’m able to play now. That’s all I can focus on.”
For Doku, physical challenges are nothing new. His style of play is built around pace, quick feet and taking defenders on one-on-one, which often makes him a target. Full-backs know stopping him legally is difficult, so fouls become a regular part of his game.
The 22-year-old believes he is on the receiving end of at least one heavy tackle every match. While he accepts that physical contact is part of football, what frustrates him most is the suggestion that he exaggerates contact or goes down too easily.
“I know myself and my character,” Doku said. “I know I am not a diver. If I fall on the ground, it’s probably because something happened.
“In terms of the rules, it’s their responsibility to decide if it’s a foul, a yellow or a red. That is their job.”
Guardiola has previously defended his winger against accusations of diving. Last season, the City boss was furious when Doku was booked during a draw with Brighton for what Guardiola described as a challenge that could have “shattered his leg”. That moment added fuel to the ongoing debate about how referees judge fouls on fast, tricky attackers.
Doku feels that his reputation sometimes works against him, especially when referees expect him to stay on his feet at all costs.
“I would say once a game there is a strong tackle, a heavy confrontation,” he explained. “Fouls are fine, as long as I don’t get injured. I see it as a compliment because it means they can’t take the ball from me.
“For me, it’s more about the diving thing. When I don’t get a foul, I am not diving. That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character.”
The winger also revealed that some players have even advised him to go down more often to win fouls, something he finds difficult to accept.
“Sometimes players tell me I should fall more,” he added. “That is more frustrating for sure.”
From City’s point of view, Doku’s fitness is crucial. Since arriving at the Etihad, he has added directness and unpredictability to Guardiola’s attack. His ability to beat defenders opens up space for teammates like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, making City far harder to defend against.
Statistics back up his influence. Even when he does not score or assist, Doku regularly ranks among City’s top players for successful dribbles and chances created through individual play. Losing him for a long period would have been a major blow, especially with City competing on multiple fronts.
Thankfully for Guardiola and City fans, Doku has avoided the worst. Now back in action, his focus is firmly on staying fit and letting his football do the talking.
The derby incident may be over, but Doku’s words highlight a wider issue in the modern game: how referees protect skilful attackers without branding them unfairly. For now, the Belgian is simply relieved to be back on the pitch, doing what he does best — running at defenders and forcing them into mistakes.
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