Man City star Jeremy Doku fires back at Man Utd's Diogo Dalot after horror tackle

Jeremy Doku was on the receiving end of a horror tackle from Diogo Dalot in the Manchester derby earlier this month, and has opened up on the incident and his frustration at being labelled a diver

Jeremy Doku has revealed that he could have been out of action for a significant period following Diogo Dalot's tackle during the Manchester Derby, as he discussed the fouls he regularly endures and the unjust reputations wingers often acquire.

The Manchester City striker was injured when Dalot's studs scraped his knee early on at Old Trafford earlier this month. Despite playing most of the match, he was unable to participate in the subsequent Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt and only made a substitute appearance against Wolves on the weekend.

Dalot was booked by referee Anthony Taylor, while video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson deemed the contact "glancing and not with excessive force". However, Pep Guardiola argued it should have been a red card offence and has since criticised PGMOL head Howard Webb for hastily dismissing it.

"I can only say that I continued to play but it was painful to play in Norway," Doku admitted, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. "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 delve too much into it. It's in the past now. Thankfully, I wasn't seriously injured and I'm able to play now. That's all I can concentrate on now."

FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page

Being fouled has become part and parcel of the game for Doku, whose primary skill is taking on defenders. The Belgian believes he receives at least one hefty hit per game from individual duels that he must try to shake off. What bothers him more is the suggestion that sometimes arises that he has fallen too easily.

Guardiola hit back at suggestions that Doku is prone to diving at the weekend, having been left furious last season when the winger received a yellow card during the Brighton draw for what the boss described as a challenge that could have shattered his leg. Doku acknowledges he will always face robust tackles but insists he only goes to ground when 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."