Manchester City could be without as many as 10 players for their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on September 14, as a wave of injuries continues to plague Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Manchester City Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Manchester Derby
This comes after a disappointing start to the season, with back-to-back defeats leaving the team in the bottom half of the table.
Defender John Stones, who started all three of City’s opening league games, withdrew from the England squad during the international break due to a muscular issue.
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel stated that Stones “did not progress as hoped,” though the club described his withdrawal as precautionary. His availability for the derby remains uncertain.
Young center-back Abdukodir Khusanov is also doubtful after sustaining a calf injury in City’s defeat to Brighton. The Uzbekistan FA confirmed he is expected to need two weeks to recover.
Meanwhile, Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly pulled out of the England U21 squad with undisclosed injuries and will be assessed ahead of the match.
In midfield, Mateo Kovačić remains sidelined with an Achilles injury and is not expected back until October.
Phil Foden, who has been struggling with fitness issues, missed the Brighton game and was left out of the England squad but could return for the derby.
Summer signing Rayan Cherki is ruled out for two months with a thigh injury , while Josko Gvardiol and Savinho are also nursing unspecified knocks. Gvardiol has returned to light training, but his availability remains in doubt.
With multiple key players potentially missing, Guardiola faces a significant challenge as City prepare for a critical week that includes matches against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal.
