International snub could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester City left-back

International snub could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly hasn’t been at his best do far this season for Manchester City. A back injury he suffered in the warm-up before Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Coventry City back at the beginning of September has hampered the England international. Also, O’Reilly had a busy 2025-26 season where he played 53 matches in all competitions for City and earned himself a spot in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Nico O’Reilly entered the 2026-27 season having played his first full season and had a busy summer. So far this season he hasn’t been at his best. This has culminated in O’Reilly missing out on selection in England’s squad for the upcoming internationals, which could be a blessing in disguise for him and Manchester City. Enzo Maresca believes that the opportunity to rest and recuperate is ideal for Nico O’Reilly. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Nico O’Reilly being left out of the England squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain when he faced the media on Friday. Maresca believes that O’Reilly now has an opportunity to rest and recuperate and come back after the international break at 100%. He explained when asked about O’Reilly being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad: “ 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. ” “ 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. ” “ It’s what he needs – to use the break to do the right things in terms of therapy and these kind of things to be 100% after the break. ” Manchester City will be hoping that some time away from football will pay off for Nico O’Reilly. Nico O’Reilly has not been at his best so far this season. Niggling injuries and a hectic schedule looks to have caught up to him. With how important Nico O’Reilly is to Enzo Maresca’s side and with how much football is played by City the opportunity to rest for players like Nico O’Reilly is few and far between. Also, it must be remembered that O’Reilly is only 21 and has only played one full season of first-team football followed by playing in a World Cup. Eventually everything was going to catch up to O’Reilly. That is what has transpired. Not being selected in the England squad by Thomas Tuchel for their upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain does give Nico O’Reilly the opportunity to rest. He needs it. It is a rare opportunity for him and hopefully he and Manchester City see the benefits of this after the upcoming international break. Nico O’Reilly played his best game of the season in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena . Hopefully that is a sign of what is to come from him. Furthermore, some time away from the game should hopefully kick O’Reilly into gear. Nico O’Reilly has missed out on international selection. He has been ever present for England since he rose to prominence last season. Instead, Nico O’Reilly has the opportunity to rest which should greatly he and Manchester City.