Manchester United could be without four players whereas Man City could be without 10 players.placeholder image
Manchester United could be without four players whereas Man City could be without 10 players. | Getty Images
Manchester United could be without four players whereas Man City could be without 10 players.
As the international break comes to an end, both Manchester clubs will be ready to see their players return, but it is not like it will be an easy return for either side, as they face off in the Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils have won one of their three opening games, with the most recent being a win against Burnley in a close 3-2 affair. City have also won one in three; however, their win came in their first game against Wolves, with Pep Guardiola overseeing two defeats since then.
Both clubs are dealing with injury concerns, as United could be missing four players on Sunday, and Man City could be missing up to 10 players.
Man City injury news
The home team have three players ruled out of Sunday’s game. Firstly, Kalvin Phillips is dealing with a long-term Achilles injury, which stalled any chance of him leaving in the summer transfer window.
Secondly, Rayan Cherki is expected to miss at least two months because of a hamstring injury that he suffered in City’s last game against Brighton.
Mateo Kovacic isn’t expected to return until next month as he continues to recover from a calf issue. In terms of players in doubt, back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli could make a return, although he won’t have a role as City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Josko Gvardiol is a potential to feature against United, after missing out on the early portion of the season. Fellow defender Abdukodir Khusanov is also a potential return, as he is recovering from a knock that he picked up against Brighton.
Savinho missed the early part of the season with a fairly minor issue. Guardiola always said that he hoped the winger would be available after the international break, and that is looking more likely. Phil Foden is also a doubt, as he works to get back into the squad after his early-season ankle injury.
John Stones had to withdraw from the England squad with a muscle issue, and he is currently being assessed for his availability for the United game. He is expected to be at least fit enough to feature on the bench.
Man City players ruled out: Kalvin Phillips, Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovacic
Man City players in doubt: Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Marcus Bettinelli, Abdukodir Khusanov, Phil Foden, John Stones, Omar Marmoush
Man United injury news
There is one United player ruled out ahead of the game against City, and it is Lisandro Martinez, who is recovering from his long-term ACL injury that he suffered in January last season. He is currently looking at a return in October.
Mason Mount is also in doubt, as he is dealing with a minor injury that he suffered against Burnley too. It is not yet clear if he will be fit enough to feature on Sunday, but seeing as Mount and Cunha are in doubt, Benjamin Sesko could be in line to start.
Diogo Dalot is also injured with a muscle issue. It kept him out of international duty for Portugal, but is expected to be a minor problem, and so he should be available in some form on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad.
Man United players ruled out: Lisandro Martinez
Man United players in doubt: Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, Diogo Dalot
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