Both Manchester City and Manchester United have injury concerns heading into Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium following a bruising international break for the clubs
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim both have injuries to consider
The international break is winding down, with players returning to their clubs over the coming days ahead of the return of the Premier League this weekend.
Tension will be high in Manchester, with the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United on the horizon at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Both sides have started their season slowly, with Pep Guardiola’s team in particular difficulties after losing consecutive league games.
City surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Brighton before the international break, following a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham. Guardiola will therefore have been stewing over the break, trying to formula his approach for the derby – but now his plans have been impacted by a fresh injury concern.
Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, went into the break the happier of the two after United picked up their first win of the season against Burnley. Yet that 3-2 win also came at a cost, with two of his players picking up injuries at Old Trafford. Here Mirror Football takes a look at the injured players ahead of the first Manchester Derby of the season.
The 26-year-old forward, who had started City’s last two games, was forced off in the ninth minute of his country’s goalless draw in Ouagadougou.
He was injured in a hefty clash in the fourth minute, and although he initially played on after receiving treatment on the field, he had to be replaced. The Egyptian Football Association’s X account wrote: “Omar Marmoush suffers a bruised knee ligament.” He will be assessed upon returning to Manchester, but it’s not looking good for Sunday.
Omar Marmoush down injured holding his knee
Omar Marmoush injured his knee on international duty
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United leaves the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley
Matheus Cunha went off injured in Manchester United's last game
“We'll check them,” he said post-match. “We need those guys really badly to be competitive.” There have been positive signs from Cunha on social media, who has posted pictures of himself on an exercise bike during the break.
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