Bernardo Silva of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions league match between City and Feyenoord
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva
Manchester City could be without midfielder Bernardo Silva for the derby against Manchester United later this month.
The midfielder, who has performed a number of roles for Pep Guardiola's injury-hit side so far this campaign, picked up his fourth yellow card of the campaign in the midweek win over Nottingham Forest. Should he be cautioned in the weekend game at Crystal Palace then he will miss the derby.
Bernardo is the only City player currently on four yellow cards although Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Mateo Kovacic and Ederson all have three. Players who collect five Premier League yellow cards in the first half of the season — the first 19 games — will be given a one-match suspension that must be served in the league. City have so far played 14 games.
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Bernardo has been a virtual ever-present this season with his ability to play as a six, an attacking midfielder, or out wide a vital trait for City. But should he miss the derby the return to fitness of Kevin De Bruyne offers another option for Guardiola who is set to be without Mateo Kovacic for the derby while Rodri is sidelined for the season. Phil Foden missed the midweek win over Forest with bronchitis.
City welcome United to the Etihad on Sunday, December 16, with kick off at 4.30pm. The Blues prevailed on penalties in the last meeting between the sides after a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield in August but they were beaten in the FA Cup final in May. City have won five of the last six league meetings between the pair.