Why Jeremy Doku is not involved for Man City at Crystal Palace

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Manchester City take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon but Pep Guardiola will be without the in form Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku is not in the Manchester City squad for Sunday's Premier League game with Crystal Palace. The winger misses out with a leg injury that he picked up this week after the win over Real Madrid.

Doku has been a consistent performer for City this season having impressed in the opening months of the campaign. He was superb in the home win over Liverpool last month and his absence will be keenly felt.

The Belgian has made 24 appearances for club and country this term, scoring three goals for City. He had played a part in the last 16 games for the Blues before his absence for this match.

"We will miss his quality but we have another - other players play with their own quality," said Pep Guardiola when asked about Doku's absence at Selhurst Park. "During the season we have setbacks with injuries." John Stones, Rodri, and Mateo Kovacic are also missing with injury.

The Blues begin the afternoon five points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table following the Gunners' late win over Wolves on Saturday night. A win for City will cut that gap to two with Guardiola's men having reeled off four straight victories in all competitions.

Guardiola had praise for Palace as he arrived at the ground but has confidence in his squad after a win at the Bernabeu that will have added belief to his squad as they look to push on in all competitions. After Palace, they play Brentford at home in the League Cup quarter-final.

"Incredible team in all aspects and solid," said Guardiola. "Physical at the back [and front] always a tough place [to come] since I arrived in Manchester. We travel after our Champions League game with a good vibe."