Rico Lewis of Manchester City is shown a red card, his second yellow by match referee Robert Jones during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City
Rico Lewis is sent off in Manchester City's game at Crystal Palace
Manchester City welcome cross-city rivals Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in dire need of some positive inspiration to kickstart their season.
Pep Guardiola's men have found themselves in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis and that has coincided with a dreadful run of just one win in their last 10 matches.
Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie condemned them to a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and their qualification hopes in Europe are now hanging by a thread.
It is perhaps the worst time for a Manchester derby for City but they know they must win to keep alive any slight hopes they have of reeling Liverpool in and retaining the Premier League title for a fifth successive season.
Ahead of Sunday's crucial game, here is a look at the current injury and suspension situation at the Etihad Stadium.
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Manu Akanji
Injury: Unknown
What we know: The City boss said Akanji was just battling through fitness issues having been withdrawn at half time in the win over Nottingham Forest last Wednesday. He has missed the last two matches but is expected to return sooner than fellow defender Nathan Ake.
Potential return date:Manchester United (H) December 15
Nathan Ake
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: Ake was forced off late on in the win over Forest with a hamstring injury. There were fears it would be serious and while it is understood not to be a long term issue, Guardiola has remained coy about when he can return.
He has missed both of City's last two matches.
Potential return date: Late December
John Stones
Injury: Unknown
What we know: He was only able to play 45 minutes against Spurs before coming off and has missed out on a place in the last three squads.
Potential return date: Late December
Rico Lewis
Injury: Unknown
What we know: Lewis was sent off in last weekend's draw with Crystal Palace meaning he will miss the Manchester Derby through suspension.
The England international picked up two yellow cards at Selhurst Park and will be suspended for one Premier League match.
Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) December 21
Rodri
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
What we know: Rodri has sustained a serious knee injury and will be out until the middle of next year. He has spoken of his desire to play again this season, possibly in the Club World Cup.
Potential return date: June 2025
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg
What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August and he is now in a race against the clock to come back before the end of the year. The hope is that Bobb will play some part over the festive period.
Potential return date: Late December
Scott Carson
Injury: Illness
What we know: The third choice goalkeeper missed the trip to Juventus with illness and was replaced in the squad by teenage talent Max Hudson.
Carson's illness isn't serious though and he should be in contention for the visit of United on Sunday
Potential return date: Manchester United (H) December 15