Why Nico O’Reilly was missing from Manchester City training on Tuesday | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly was one of the notable absentees from Manchester City’s open training session at the City Football Academy this week.

The session, held on Tuesday afternoon as part of the club’s ‘City Are Back’ pre-season fan event, gave supporters a rare insight into Pep Guardiola’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.

With the stands at the Joie Stadium filled with watching fans, several key first-team stars and youngsters took to the pitch – but the absence of rising academy talent Nico O’Reilly quickly caught the attention of many online.

O’Reilly’s status within the squad has continued to grow after a breakthrough 2024/25 season that included a senior competitive debut in the Community Shield, a run of 21 appearances across competitions, and multiple goals.

Despite interest from elsewhere earlier this summer, City have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the midfielder, with a new contract agreement recently reached in principle.

But as reported by the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Nico O’Reilly’s absence from open training this week was due to a lack of full fitness for the session, as the versatile midfielder hopes to build upon his breakthrough campaign last time around.

The 20-year-old had been spotted in earlier sessions last week and remains a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s wider first-team group heading into the new campaign, with full confidence in O’Reilly’s trajectory and his place as part of the next generation.

Having been handed the number 33 shirt – following in the footsteps of Vincent Kompany and Gabriel Jesus – expectations are quietly growing around O’Reilly’s impact this season. The midfielder’s intelligent movement, sharp technical ability, and calmness under pressure have already earned the admiration of Pep Guardiola and senior teammates alike.

Looking ahead, Nico O’Reilly is expected to return to full training soon, with City next in action on Saturday 9 August for their maiden Anglo Palermitan Trophy clash against City Football Group side Palermo.