Jeremy Doku revealed he could have faced an extended spell on the sidelines following Diogo Dalot’s derby tackle, as he discussed the challenges he has become accustomed to and the unjust perceptions that wingers face. The Manchester City attacker was injured when Dalot’s studs scraped across his knee early on at Old Trafford earlier this month, and whilst he stayed on the pitch for the majority of the match, he was unable to participate days afterwards in the Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt and only appeared as a substitute against Wolves.

Pep Guardiola claimed at the time that it warranted a red card and has since criticised PGMO chief Howard Webb for hastily dismissing it. “I can only say that I continued to play but was painful to play in Norway,” said Doku. “You guys know my feelings about it. I could have [been out for a long time]. It happened and I didn’t play in Norway but I don’t want to go too much into it. It is the past now. Thanks to the Lord I didn’t get injured badly and I am able to play now. It is the only thing I can focus on now.”

Receiving fouls has become routine for Doku, with one of his primary strengths being taking on defenders, and the Belgian estimates he receives at least one significant blow per match from individual duels that he must attempt to overcome.

More troublesome for him is the suggestion that occasionally arises that he hits the floor too readily. Guardiola defended Doku against accusations of simulation, having been incensed last season when the winger received a booking in the draw with Brighton for what the manager described as a challenge that could have fractured his leg.

Doku acknowledges he will inevitably face robust tackles but wants recognition that he wouldn’t go to ground unless genuinely fouled.

“Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver,” he said. “If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened.

“In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving. It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul – that is their job.

“I would say in a week, at least one in a game where I feel it is a strong tackle, a heavy confrontation. I would say once a game.

“Fouls are fine, as long as I don’t get injured. I see it as a compliment, they can’t take the ball. For me it is more about the diving thing. When I don’t get a foul, I am not diving.

“That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened. Sometimes players tell me more to fall more on the ground. That is more frustrating for sure.”