O’Reilly, who impressed for England in the 2026 World Cup, was an omission from Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad this morning ahead of November games against Croatia and Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
But Maresca revealed the versatile defender-cum-midfielder has been playing through the pain after battling a back problem since the beginning of the season.
The manager now wants the 21-year-old to use the time wisely in order to come back fit and firing after the break.
“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,” said the boss.
“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.”
Another Blue who wasn’t included in the England squad today was Phil Foden.
Foden, who has 49 caps for his country, didn’t make the final cut for the World Cup this past summer and he wasn’t included for the upcoming double header this month.
Maresca says he’s been happy with what he’s seen of the fab forward since arriving as boss this summer although he thinks there’s much more to come from the talismanic star.
“He’s doing well. He’s doing well, to be honest,” the manager continued.
“The reason why he’s been left out from the international team, I don’t know, but we’re happy with Phil.
“We know that he can give much more, we know that.
“It’s my duty to try to help him slowly to get back and be one of the best.”
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With the international break on the horizon, it’s a chance for the boss to assess the progress made by his team in the first half of the season.
Maresca admits he’s been delighted from what he’s seen so far and, even more positively, where his side can go in the future.
“To be honest I already recognise my team since we start,” he added.
“I’m so happy I can see working with them every day we can improve many things.
“We know what we are doing well and what we need to improve. It’s a matter of time.”
City v Fulham: Tickets on general sale
Don’t miss out on our Premier League clash against Fulham with tickets now on general sale.
The game between the Blues v the Cottagers takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 21 November with a 12:30 (UK) kick-off.
Enzo Maresca’s men had an unblemished record on home soil – four wins from four games - in the Premier League before the frustrating tight loss to Brighton last time out.
So the players will be eager to return to winning ways when Álvaro Arbeloa’s Londoners head to Manchester for this one.
Supporters can purchase up to four tickets – with three additional for Season Ticket Members!
Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just £130 in City Hall, housed within our new Pep Guardiola Stand.
But there’s a range of packages available to suit all needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional for clients.
