Nico O’Reilly was removed from the starting lineup just before kickoff in the Premier League match against Coventry City on September 5, 2026. According to reports, O’Reilly experienced a problem during warmups and was described as leaving the pitch while holding his back. However, what has currently been confirmed is limited to his warmup withdrawal and the change to the lineup; no official diagnosis or assessment of the severity of any injury has been confirmed.
Enzo Fernández Starts at the Last Minute and Makes His Debut
Following O’Reilly’s withdrawal, Enzo Fernández, who had originally been named among the substitutes, was promoted to the starting lineup just before kickoff. As a result of the change, Fernández made his Manchester City debut as a starter. This is the confirmed change that directly affected the team selection before the match began.
Manchester City Win 1–0 with Haaland’s Goal
In the match featuring the late lineup change, Manchester City defeated Coventry City 1–0. The winning goal came in the 26th minute. Erling Haaland headed home a cross from Antoine Semenyo to secure Manchester City’s victory.
The information currently confirmed is therefore O’Reilly’s withdrawal during warmups, Fernández’s sudden promotion to the starting lineup and debut, and Manchester City’s 1–0 win. O’Reilly’s availability for the next match and his return schedule have not yet been confirmed. According to the official Premier League schedule, Manchester City’s next league match is away to Manchester United on September 13, while Coventry’s next league match is scheduled for the same day against Brighton & Hove Albion.