Nico O'Reilly
Left Back
Center Midfielder
Overlapping Full Back
Mar 21, 2005 (21)
Left
6'4"
170 lb
Makes bench Saturday
O'Reilly (back) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: O'Reilly returns to the squad after City took a cautious approach to his lingering back problem and left him out against AEK Athens on Tuesday. The defender had played 61 minutes against Ipswich Town last weekend, but his recurring discomfort continues to require workload management. He provides an option off the bench at left-back, where Josko Gvardiol started in the UCL. A substitute role could allow O'Reilly to contribute without immediately taking on a full workload.
Awaiting assessment ahead of Villa clash
O'Reilly (back) remains questionable for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Aston Villa after sitting out Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens, with his availability dependent on Friday's training session, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "The other three [Matheus, Nico & Mateo] we will have to wait for today's session."
Analysis: O'Reilly continues to deal with a lingering back problem that has bothered him since mid-September, forcing Manchester City to carefully manage his workload over the past several weeks. The defender was able to feature for 61 minutes against Ipswich Town last weekend but subsequently missed Tuesday's Champions League victory over AEK Athens as the coaching staff opted against taking unnecessary risks. Coach Maresca has now confirmed that his availability for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa remains uncertain, with Friday's training session expected to determine whether he can return to the squad. Josko Gvardiol started at left-back against AEK Athens and could retain that role if O'Reilly remains sidelined. Given the recurring nature of his back discomfort, City may continue taking a cautious approach even if he shows signs of improvement ahead of the weekend.
Not playing vs. AEK
O'Reilly (back) is not in the squad for Tuesday's UCL match against AEK Athens.
Analysis: O'Reilly has been dealing with a back problem for quite some time, and the Citizens are trying to take care of him as much as possible. As a result of his absence, Josko Gvardiol will get the nod at left-back. It remains to be seen if O'Reilly, who has been bothered by this back problem since mid-September, will be an option to face Aston Villa over the weekend.
In doubt for AEK Athens
O'Reilly (back) missed Manchester City's final training session Monday after being substituted during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, casting doubt on his availability for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens, according to Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: O'Reilly continues to manage a recurring back problem that has affected his playing time in recent weeks, having been withdrawn after 61 minutes against Ipswich. The midfielder has made five appearances since returning from the injury without playing more than 66 minutes in any of them, highlighting the ongoing restrictions on his workload. Although initial indications suggested he would be available against AEK Athens, his absence from Monday's training session raises fresh concerns about his fitness. If O'Reilly is unable to feature, Josko Gvardiol is expected to start at left-back, with Manchester City potentially opting to rest O'Reilly rather than risk aggravating the issue.
Should be available Tuesday
O'Reilly should be available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AEK Athens despite continuing to manage a lingering back problem, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "The rest are more or less okay."
Analysis: O'Reilly appears to be in contention for Tuesday's European fixture despite dealing with a recurring back issue that has affected his playing time in recent weeks. The midfielder played 61 minutes in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, with coach Enzo Maresca subsequently confirming that the discomfort dates back to before the August 28 encounter against Coventry. O'Reilly has not played more than 66 minutes in any of his five club appearances since returning from the injury, suggesting his workload continues to be managed carefully. However, Maresca's latest comments indicate that most of Manchester City's squad is available, with Antoine Semenyo (knee) the only player facing a significant absence. O'Reilly should therefore be an option against AEK Athens, although his recent minutes restrictions and the possibility of squad rotation could affect whether he starts or features off the bench.
Bothered by back injury
O'Reilly played 61 minutes in Saturday's 3-2 win over Ipswich but seems to be bothered by a nagging back injury, manager Enzo Maresca said during the post-game press conference. "Nico has the problem with his back from before Coventry."
Analysis: O'Reilly has been dealing with a back injury for quite some time, as Maresca referenced in the match against the Sky Blues on Aug. 28. O'Reilly hasn't played more than 66 minutes in any of his five club appearances since returning from the injury, and it remains to be seen whether he'll be fit enough to face AEK Athens on Tuesday in the Champions League -- a game in which City are expected to rotate the side considerably given the congested schedule.
Quiet before coming off
O'Reilly registered one cross (zero accurate) and one tackle in Sunday's 3-0 win versus Liverpool. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Analysis: O'Reilly sent in a single cross and made one tackle during Sunday's win. It was a day to forget individually, but obviously the result was an excellent one for O'Reilly. He will hope to make the most of his chances as City head into one of the toughest segments of their schedule in the coming weeks.
Starts at left-back against Liverpool
O'Reilly (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup at left-back for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool after recovering from his recent fitness issue.
Analysis: O'Reilly returns to Manchester City's starting XI after recovering from the issue that forced him to withdraw from international duty with England. The versatile midfielder had been limited to substitute appearances in the final two league fixtures before the break, having previously started twice in the Premier League this season without registering a goal or assist. He gets the nod at left-back ahead of Josip Gvardiol, who drops to the bench, giving O'Reilly another opportunity to establish himself in City's defensive rotation.
Works in gym, still uncertain
O'Reilly (undisclosed) was pictured working in the gym at the City Football Academy on Friday, though his status remains unclear for Sunday's Premier League clash at Liverpool, with manager Enzo Maresca not providing an update on the defender's fitness ahead of the game.
Analysis: O'Reilly returned to Manchester City for further assessment after missing England's 2-0 victory over Czechia on September 29, with the club yet to rule him in or out for Sunday's trip to Anfield. The midfielder was pictured completing gym work at the training base, though indoor exercises give no clear indication of whether he has rejoined full team sessions on the pitch. His involvement remains uncertain pending further evaluation closer to kickoff. He has made two Premier League starts this season without registering a goal or assist, and came off the bench in the final two league fixtures before the break.
Doubtful for Liverpool clash
O'Reilly (undisclosed) remains doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool after withdrawing from the England squad during the international break. Manager Enzo Maresca did not provide an update on the defender's fitness during Friday's press conference.
Analysis: O'Reilly returned to Manchester City for further assessment after an undisclosed injury forced him to miss England's clash against Czechia. With no fresh update from manager Maresca, his availability for Sunday's trip to Anfield remains uncertain, and he could face a late fitness test before the match. The defender came off the bench in City's final two matches before the international break, so his potential absence would primarily affect the team's defensive depth rather than the expected starting XI.
Returns to City for assessment
O'Reilly (undisclosed) has withdrawn from the England squad and returned to Manchester City for further assessment, according to England national team.
Analysis: O'Reilly had already missed Tuesday's clash against Czechia due to the injury, and his availability against Liverpool on Oct. 11 is now uncertain. The defender was a substitute in each of Manchester City's final two matches before the international break, so a potential absence is unlikely to significantly alter the starting XI. His status should become clearer following further assessment with the club.
Ruled out for Czechia clash
O'Reilly (undisclosed) will miss Tuesday's Nations League clash against Czechia through injury, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
Analysis: O'Reilly had been assessed Tuesday morning after not training Monday, and this confirmation follows his start at left back in the loss to Spain, where England's defensive lapses were a talking point despite manager Thomas Tuchel sticking with the same setup. His recovery timeline will be worth monitoring ahead of England's next fixtures against Croatia and Czechia again on Oct 3 and Oct 6, respectively. Until he returns to full speed, Lewis Hall is expected to start at left-back for the Three Lions.
Dealing with minor injury
O'Reilly is dealing with a "minor injury" and will be assessed Tuesday morning to see whether he can play against Czech Republic on Tuesday, James Olley of ESPN reports.
Analysis: O'Reilly didn't train Monday with the rest of the squad, so his presence in Tuesday's tilt is uncertain for now. O'Reilly started at left-back in the 3-2 loss to Spain on Saturday, and if he can't go, Lewis Hall could replace him.
Returns to bench
O'Reilly (back) is on the bench for Sunday's Premier League derby against Manchester United.
Analysis: O'Reilly returns to the matchday squad after making a quick recovery from the back issue he picked up ahead of the win over Coventry City. He had been a regular starter prior to the injury but will have to settle for a substitute role Sunday, with Josko Gvardiol starting at left-back. O'Reilly could see minutes off the bench as he works his way back into the starting XI following the brief absence.
Fully fit and available for derby
O'Reilly (back) is fully fit and available for Sunday's derby against Manchester United, according to coach Enzo Maresca. "Nico is 100% available."
Analysis: O'Reilly had missed the Champions League opener against Porto after picking up a back issue in the warmup before the win over Coventry City, an injury that was not considered serious but came with too quick a turnaround for him to be included. His full recovery now confirms he is ready to reclaim his spot for the derby, with Enzo Fernandez and Josko Gvardiol having filled in during his brief absence.
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.
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