Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has expressed relief he avoided serious injury following a tackle by Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot. The incident occurred during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday, January 17. Dalot received a yellow card for the high studs-up challenge on Doku's knee. VAR reviewed the tackle but upheld the on-field decision, concluding the contact was "glancing and not with excessive force".
Doku stated he "could have been sidelined for a long time" and is thankful he was not "badly injured". He continued playing in the derby but later missed a Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt and only came off the bench against Wolves due to the pain from the challenge. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had previously suggested the tackle warranted a red card. Doku also mentioned that fouls have become part of his game, but he prioritises avoiding injury.
