Maresca: O'Reilly to rest and recuperate during break

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says Nico O'Reilly will use the international break to rest and recover from a back problem that has affected much of his season. The 21-year-old was left out of England's squad for the November Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.

O'Reilly impressed for England at the 2026 World Cup, but Maresca revealed the versatile defender-midfielder has been playing through pain since the start of the season.

"With Nico it’s quite easy. Since we started the season, between his back, if you remember before the Coventry game he’s had more problems unfortunately," said the boss.

"He’s not 100% but in the last game I really liked him and thought he played a very good game."

"This is what we need from Nico. We just need to keep him fit because we know how good he is and I have no doubt in future he’ll be in the international team again."

Phil Foden was also not included in the England squad. The forward has 49 caps for his country but missed the World Cup squad this summer. Maresca says he has been happy with Foden since arriving as manager this summer.

"We know that he can give much more, we know that."

City sit second in the Premier League with 21 points from nine games. They host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 21 November, with a 12:30 (UK) kick-off.