Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku has opened up about the significant injury scare he faced following Diogo Dalot's controversial tackle during this month's Manchester derby, while also expressing frustration at persistent suggestions that he is prone to diving.
Derby Incident Could Have Led to Lengthy Absence
The Belgian international revealed he could have been sidelined for a considerable period after Dalot's studs scraped his knee early in the match at Old Trafford earlier this month. Despite completing most of the derby encounter, Doku was forced to miss City's subsequent Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt and only managed a substitute appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers the following weekend.
"I can only say that I continued to play but it was painful to play in Norway," Doku admitted to 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 delve too much 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 concentrate on."
Refereeing Controversy and Managerial Backing
Referee Anthony Taylor showed Dalot a yellow card for the challenge, while Video Assistant Referee Craig Pawson assessed the contact as "glancing and not with excessive force." However, City manager Pep Guardiola vehemently disagreed, arguing it should have been a straight red card offence and has since criticised PGMOL chief Howard Webb for what he perceived as a hasty dismissal of the incident's severity.
Guardiola has been particularly vocal in defending his winger against diving accusations, having been incensed last season when Doku received a yellow card during the Brighton draw for what the Catalan manager described as a challenge that could have shattered his player's leg.
Addressing the Diving Stigma
Doku acknowledges that receiving robust challenges has become routine for him as a winger whose primary skill involves taking on defenders directly. The Belgian estimates he encounters at least one heavy tackle per game from individual duels that he must mentally and physically overcome.
What troubles him more profoundly is the occasional implication that he goes to ground too easily. "Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver," Doku stated firmly. "If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened. In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving. It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul - that is their job."
The Physical Reality of Wing Play
The City attacker provided insight into the regular physical battles he endures: "I would say in a week, at least one in a game where I feel it is a strong tackle, a heavy confrontation. I would say once a game. Fouls are fine, as long as I don't get injured. I see it as a compliment, they can't take the ball."
Doku elaborated on the particular frustration surrounding perceptions of his willingness to stay upright: "For me it is 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 and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened. Sometimes players tell me more to fall more on the ground. That is more frustrating for sure."
The incident has reignited discussions about protection for attacking players in the Premier League and the fine line between robust defending and dangerous challenges. As Doku continues his recovery and focuses on returning to full fitness, his comments highlight the ongoing debate about player safety, refereeing standards, and the stereotypes that certain positions attract in modern football.
