Manchester United and Manchester City are confronted with numerous injury issues as they approach Sunday’s derby, with 13 players potentially sidelined following a challenging international break.
Both teams have had a sluggish start to their Premier League seasons, with United amassing only four points from a possible nine and securing their first victory of the season – a 3-2 win at home against Burnley – thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in injury time prior to the international break.
On the other hand, City has suffered back-to-back defeats in the league against Tottenham and Brighton, with their sole points of the season being a 4-0 away victory over Wolves during the opening weekend.
As both teams aim to rejuvenate their seasons, they are grappling with several injury challenges ahead of the intense match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, as more than a dozen key players may be unavailable for the Premier League fixture.
Man City v Man United Latest Injury News
Pep Guardiola’s aspirations to achieve his first home victory of the Premier League season on Sunday have been hindered by a new injury setback during the international break, as Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament injury while representing Egypt.
The 26-year-old forward was compelled to leave the field during Egypt’s 0-0 stalemate with Burkina Faso on Tuesday and was seen wearing a knee brace and utilizing crutches following the match.
Marmoush has added to a growing list of absentees at the Etihad Stadium, which also features summer acquisition Rayan Cherki, who was sidelined for two months due to a thigh injury prior to the international break.
City is also anticipated to be without long-term absentees Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips on Sunday, while both Savinho and Phil Foden were unavailable for the 2-1 loss at Brighton, although the club is optimistic that the duo could return this weekend.
Uncertainties also persist regarding a trio of central defenders – Josko Gvardiol has yet to make an appearance for City this season, while Abdukodir Khusanov was substituted during the Brighton match due to a minor injury.
John Stones is also a concern for the derby after he had to withdraw from England duty due to a muscle injury.
In contrast, Man United face fewer injury issues ahead of the derby, with Lisandro Martinez being the sole long-term absentee at Old Trafford as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
There are also uncertainties surrounding the availability of both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount after the two sustained injuries against Burnley, with Cunha being forced off in the first half due to a hamstring issue.
United will also be hopeful that Diogo Dalot has recovered in time after he withdrew from Portugal’s squad due to muscle discomfort.
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