Nico O'Reilly
Man CityCM (AM)
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Mar 21, 2005 (21)
Left
6'4"
170 lb
Left out against Porto
O'Reilly (back) was not included in Manchester City's 22-man travelling squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Porto.
Analysis: O'Reilly picked up the back issue during the warmup before Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City and was subsequently withdrawn from the starting lineup, with Enzo Fernandez taking his place. Although coach Enzo Maresca indicated that the injury was not expected to be serious, the quick turnaround has proved too short for O'Reilly to return. Fernandez is expected to start in midfield against Porto, while Josko Gvardiol should retain the left-back role in O'Reilly's absence.
Back injury not expected to be serious
O'Reilly missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Coventry City due to a back injury, but manager Enzo Maresca said in the post-game conference that the injury isn't expected to be serious, according to Sam Lee of The Athletic.
Analysis: O'Reilly was injured in the warm-ups before Saturday's game, pushing Enzo Fernandez to the starting lineup. O'Reilly should be considered as questionable to face Porto on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League opener, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's held out of that match due to the quick turnaround.
Injured in warmup
O'Reilly (undisclosed) suffered an injury during Saturday's warmup ahead of the clash against Coventry City, forcing Enzo Fernandez into the starting XI after initially being named on the bench, according to the club.
Analysis: O'Reilly had started in midfield both Premier League games this season despite the club's new manager Maresca reportedly preferring him at left back. His absence now is a setback to monitor for one of the league's rising talents coming off a breakout 2025/26 season, and further clarity on the injury should emerge as Manchester City continues preparing for the match. Enzo Fernandez is stepping in the midfield in his place to make his City's debut.
Begins season in midfield
O'Reilly registered one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (three accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: O'Reilly started in the midfield Sunday despite the club's new manager saying he preferred him at left-back, with City likely not having their set squad yet with some transfers still to come. He would not see his best match in this role, as he only earned a shot, a chance created and four crosses, capable of much more. He remains one of the rising talents in the league after his 2025/26 season breakout, with his versatility being a huge asset.
Continues preseason in Manchester
O'Reilly is continuing his preseason buildup in Manchester ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, according to the club.
Analysis: O'Reilly capped a breakout campaign by taking home both the Etihad Player of the Season and Premier League Young Player of the Year awards, making 53 appearances across all competitions while producing six goals and eight assists as one of manager Pep Guardiola's most trusted options at left back and in midfield. He carried that momentum into the World Cup, starting four straight matches for England and racking up six tackles, three interceptions and eight clearances during the tournament, and his return to club training now turns the page toward preseason as he looks to build on a season that firmly established him as a first-team mainstay. Reports suggest new manager Enzo Maresca views O'Reilly primarily as a left back rather than a midfield option, meaning he will have to battle Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri for minutes depending on the system the Spaniard chooses to deploy.
Tallies two interceptions in win
O'Reilly had two interceptions, one cross (zero accurate) and one tackle in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Norway.
Analysis: O'Reilly did a decent job defensively, though he lacked offensive projection in the quarter-finals matchup. He has now made four consecutive starts, generating five tackles, four interceptions and seven clearances over that span. He'll likely continue to play as a left-back in the final rounds of the international competition.
Hits post during 3-2 win
O'Reilly recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 victory versus Mexico. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 72nd minute.
Analysis: O'Reilly helped England pick up a 3-2 win over Mexico, which will see them take on Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals. The left-back hit the post from distance with his only shot of the game. The shot came shortly after halftime and would have put England 3-1 ahead. O'Reilly also picked up a yellow card in an unsavoury incident where he appeared to throw his elbow and catch the Mexican opposition. The defender has started four of the five matches so far in the tournament and has been crucial to Tuchel's team. He has taken at least one shot in each match but has only put one of the seven shots on target.
Struggles in win
O'Reilly generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against the DR Congo.
Analysis: O'Reilly created a single chance during Wednesday's win and sent in a pair of crosses, but on the whole he had a match to forget. He couldn't get involved in the attack consistently and struggled for any sort of substantial role on the ball. O'Reilly has generally been a more periphery member of the squad throughout the tournament, struggling to put his mark on matches.
Creates two chances
O'Reilly recorded one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Panama.
Analysis: O'Reilly went the full 90 minutes on Saturday, completing 47 of his 50 passes while creating two chances and contributing three tackles won along with three clearances. The Manchester City fullback started two of England's three group‑stage matches and showed strong two‑way involvement throughout the round. Across those appearances, he recorded four successful dribbles, four tackles won, 16 duels won, and seven aerials won, an encouraging start to his World Cup campaign and a sign of his growing influence within the squad.
Decent debut shift
O'Reilly recorded two shots (one on target), two chances created and won four duels in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Croatia.
Analysis: O'Reilly was given the start at left-back Wednesday and didn't leave the field for England, playing the entire 90. He earned a decent match as he joined the attack on several occasions, notching two shots and two chances created, although a bit was left to be desired in defense. He will look to continue in this role as the tournament moves forward, given some added help due to his flexibility of positioning when on the field.
Ready to shine at left-back
O'Reilly has been named in England's World Cup squad after establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League, with his versatility and quality making him a key figure in manager Tuchel's plans at left-back.
Analysis: O'Reilly ended the season having made 34 Premier League appearances for Manchester City, contributing five goals and three assists in 2,649 minutes in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the youngster, earning praise from coach Pep Guardiola for his physical presence, intelligence and technical quality in midfield and at left-back. The Manchester City academy graduate brings an exceptional combination of athleticism, composure and attacking output that makes him one of the most complete young defensive options in Europe, and manager Tuchel will be counting on him to be a consistent and dynamic presence on England's left flank throughout the competition. O'Reilly heads into the World Cup as one of the most anticipated young talents in the tournament, with Guardiola's assessment that he is so complete ringing in the ears of those who have watched his rise.
Two shots during draw
O'Reilly registered two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 1-1 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: O'Reilly started at left-back Tuesday, but as the game evolved and they found themselves losing, he would take on more of a midfield role. He would find two shots in the draw and appeared to have a goal secured early in the second half before a poor effort on net. He still has his eyes set on winning a Young Player of the Year award, recording five goals and three assists this season.
Starting Sunday
O'Reilly (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: O'Reilly is back fit as expected Sunday, with the defender missing no time due to his injury scare and starting in the massively important contest. This is huge news for his club, as they gain back one of their heroes of the season thus far, a sparkplug in the attack. He will be tasked with a major role, usually involved weather playing in the defense or midfield.
Back fit, set to start
O'Reilly (hamstring) was confirmed fit for Sunday's clash against Arsenal, according to coach Pep Guardiola. "Nico [O'Reilly] is fine."
Analysis: O'Reilly had been a concern after going off injured in last weekend's win, but his return to team training Tuesday and coach Pep Guardiola's clearance puts any doubts to rest heading into one of the biggest fixtures of City's season. The young left-back is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup against the Gunners, having been one of the most important contributors to City's form this campaign. His availability is a massive boost for Guardiola as City look to take the initiative in what remains a tightly contested title race.
Joins training
O'Reilly (hamstring) was back in training Tuesday, according to his club.
Analysis: O'Reilly would go off injured in Sunday's massive win and is now uncertain for Sunday's contest against Arsenal, but has received a massive boost, as the midfielder was in training. It is yet to be seen if this is enough for the weekend, although this is very positive. He is likely to slide right back into the starting XI if he is fit, one of the most crucial factors of the club's success this campaign.
Off with hamstring injury
O'Reilly was forced off the field in the 64th minute of Sunday's match against Chelsea due to an apparent hamstring injury.
Analysis: O'Reilly had to come off just after the hour mark, as the defender/midfielder looked to be dealing with a hamstring injury. This will be something to monitor as they head into a massive clash with Arsenal that has title implications, potentially losing one of their biggest contributors this season for the biggest match of the season. There is a chance it could be due to caution with the big match ahead, likely what much of the club is hoping for.
Another successful Cup outing
O'Reilly notched one assist on two chances created in Saturday's 4-0 win over Liverpool.
Analysis: O'Reilly saw a brace in the Carabao Cup final a few weeks ago and added another goal contribution in Cup play against Liverpool, notching an FA Cup assist. The versatile midfielder continues to see success in his breakout season with City, recording six goals and six assists in his 40 appearances across all competitions this season.
Carabao Cup final hero
O'Reilly scored two goals on two shots in Sunday's 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.
Analysis: O'Reilly would lead City to a Carabao Cup title Sunday as he had a great game just a few days following his birthday, scoring a brace in the contest. He would score in the 60th and 64th minutes on the club's only two shots on target in the entire contest, coming despite starting in a left-back role. Whether in the midfield or defense, the homegrown talent has been a major boost to the squad this campaign, playing for the badge with pride as he continues to show immense talent.
Four shots, no goal
O'Reilly had four shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
Analysis: O'Reilly returned to his midfield role after a disaster on Wednesday in UCL play, notching four shots from his spot but not converting a goal. He will likely remain in this role moving forward and will hope for a better day in their next UCL contest, needing a big game from the midfielder to pull off the comeback.
Starts at left-back
O'Reilly generated one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
Analysis: O'Reilly would start in UCL action against Real Madrid but is once again out of the midfield, playing at left-back as he did to begin the season. However, it was not his best match, constantly getting caught out too far up, eventually leading to Mardid's opener. He will likely hope to return his midfield role again in coming games, looking much better from that role.
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