Manchester City Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of Derby Showdown

Manchester City is preparing for a crucial match against Manchester United this weekend, following two consecutive defeats in the Premier League. The upcoming derby offers Pep Guardiola’s team an opportunity to rejuvenate their campaign. Currently sitting below Manchester United in the league table, a victory could provide the momentum they need ahead of their Champions League opener against Napoli next week.

In a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola provided updates on several injured players, revealing both positive and negative news for the squad. Here’s a detailed look at the current injury situation for Manchester City as they approach this weekend’s derby.

Injury Updates for Key Players

Marmoush is ruled out of the derby after suffering a knee injury during Egypt’s goalless draw with Burkina Faso on September 12. The 26-year-old attempted to continue playing but was forced off just five minutes later. He returned to Cairo on crutches and has undergone a scan to determine the severity of the injury. The timeline for his return remains uncertain.

John Stones, 31, has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, playing the full match against Brighton before joining the England squad. However, England manager Thomas Tuchel opted not to risk him in World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Guardiola noted that Stones is a doubt for the derby, stating, “Stones as well is a doubt. Not a big issue, but he is a doubt for Sunday.” His potential return date is set for September 14, aligning with the derby against Manchester United.

Khusanov has also faced injury issues, having exited the match against Brighton with a muscle injury. He subsequently withdrew from international duty. Guardiola did not mention Khusanov specifically but indicated that the rest of the squad would be available, suggesting he could still feature in the derby.

The situation with Rayan Cherki, a forward for the team, is more dire. He is sidelined for approximately two months due to a thigh injury sustained prior to the Brighton match. Cherki’s absence could extend to ten matches, with a potential return targeted for October 26 against Aston Villa.

Another player, Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined City in the summer for £31 million, is also unavailable after suffering an ankle injury during his home debut against Tottenham. Despite playing against Brighton, he did not join the Algeria squad for their World Cup qualifiers, and Guardiola confirmed he will miss the derby as well.

On a slightly brighter note, Phil Foden is expected to return after missing the Brighton game due to fitness issues. The 25-year-old was omitted from the England squad for the September international fixtures but looks set to rejoin his teammates for the derby.

Additionally, there are indications that other players who had previously withdrawn from international duties with undisclosed injuries might be available, including a midfielder who is expected to return in time for the derby. Savinho has not played this season due to unspecified problems but is anticipated to make his return as well.

Finally, Mateo Kovacic remains a long-term absentee, recovering from Achilles surgery. He missed the Club World Cup and most of pre-season, with an estimated return now pushed to October 18.

As Manchester City gears up for this pivotal showdown, the team will be keenly aware that overcoming these injury setbacks is crucial to regaining their footing in the Premier League. With both teams eager for a win, the Manchester derby promises to be an electrifying encounter.