Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku are the only unavailability concerns for Manchester City, as they commence their 2026-27 EFL Cup campaign. Enzo Maresca’s men will welcome Norwich City to the blue side of Manchester on Thursday night, for a third round clash. Foden is now suspended, after drawing a red card in the 1-0 Manchester derby win at Old Trafford on Sunday. Doku is still battling that calf injury that has kept him out since the Community Shield.
What is the Manchester City versus Norwich City Series History?
The Cityzens have absolutely dominated this series, winning the last three matches, with an aggregate score line of 14-0. The overall head to head ledger shows City having won 39 times to the Canaries 10. The two sides have split the spoils on 23 occasions.
What are the EFL Cup Third Round FYIs?
Kickoff: Thursday Sept. 17, 7:30 pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK
Fun Fact: Man City are the reigning holders of the League Cup trophy, and they have won the competition nine different times.
Manchester City Preview Material: Team News Predicted Starting XI
When Will Foden and Doku Be Back?
Maresca said the following of Doku, at his weekly news conference this past Friday: “I think he needs some more days.” The Belgian winger has only featured once this season, and he is unlikely to be risked here, in a League Cup tie against a second tier side.
In addition to this match, Foden will miss out on the weekend league fixture versus Sunderland and the trip to Liverpool after the international break.
At that point, he will have finished serving out his three match suspension.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.