The prized Manchester City academy graduate has endured a somewhat slower start to the new season under Enzo Maresca, with injury and a starring Josko Gvardiol at left-back limiting his opportunities.

That being said, Nico O'Reilly remains one of the club's most relied-upon figures, and the ongoing international break provided the 21-year-old with a clear opportunity to stake a real claim to become Maresca's starting left-sided full-back at the Etihad Stadium.

However, an unfortunate training ground incident whilst representing the Three Lions and Thomas Tuchel's side led to O'Reilly being a notable absentee during England's recent win over Czechia.

And with England still to face both Croatia away from home and Czechia at Wembley Stadium, a significant update on the injury sustained by Nico O'Reilly has now been delivered by the Football Association.

A statement released by the FA on Thursday has confirmed that Nico O'Reilly will not be available for Thomas Tuchel and his side's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

A brief statement read, "Nico O'Reilly has returned to Manchester City and will play no part in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

"No further replacements are planned as the Three Lions prepare to face Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday before returning to Wembley to take on Czechia on Tuesday."

As things stand, there is no guide as to the severity of Nico O'Reilly's injury problem, and Manchester City fans may not know the full extent of the problem until the squad returns from their respective international duties next week.

As for an update being provided by the club's manager, Enzo Maresca is not due to face the media until Friday 9 October, ahead of Manchester City's highly-anticipated meeting with Andoni Iraola's Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 11 October.

However, given the current dominance of Manchester City's ongoing legal battle with the Premier League and the top-flight's guilty verdict concerning the club's 115 charges, media commitments by Maresca are likely to be steered solely in the direction of discourse concerning that matter.

For now, Manchester City fans face an anxious, and potentially long, wait regarding matters both on and off the pitch, with Nico O'Reilly now entering a period of recovery from his injury, and the club determined to fight the Premier League to clear their name around alleged financial rule breaches over an extended period.