Manchester City head into the highly anticipated Manchester derby with a number of key players sidelined, further adding to their growing injury concerns. Despite their recent struggles, which have seen them win only one of their last ten matches, there is still hope within the squad that things will improve. However, the injury woes have compounded the team’s difficulties, particularly in defense.
Manager Pep Guardiola has been struggling to find his best defensive lineup due to the prolonged absences of several first-team players. Furthermore, his team’s form has been faltering both in attack and defense, which has left them vulnerable. As City prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday, they will once again be without some crucial players, making the task even more challenging.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
City’s defensive woes have been well-documented this season, with a series of key injuries leaving Guardiola with limited options. The absence of several crucial defenders means the manager is forced to rely on makeshift solutions for the derby. Notably, Rico Lewis’ suspension and the ongoing injuries to Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji mean Guardiola will have to get creative in his defensive choices.
Rico Lewis – Suspended
Rico Lewis, the young right-back, will miss the derby due to suspension following a controversial red card in City’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace. His absence adds another headache for Guardiola, as he was one of the few defenders able to offer stability in the backline.
Nathan Ake – Unspecified Injury
Nathan Ake remains sidelined with an unspecified injury. The Dutch defender has been a key figure for City, offering consistency at the back. However, he is not expected to be fit for the derby, leaving Guardiola with fewer defensive options.
John Stones – Unspecified Injury
John Stones is another defensive stalwart unavailable for the match. His absence is a significant blow to City, as Stones has been an integral part of their defensive unit over the past few seasons. Like Ake, Stones is still some way off returning to action, and City will have to cope without him against their local rivals.
Manuel Akanji – Abductor Injury
Manuel Akanji has also been ruled out due to an abductor injury. Guardiola had hoped the Swiss international would be available for the derby, but in his pre-match update, the City manager confirmed that Akanji would not feature. “Manu has discomfort in the area for the pelvis, abductor,” Guardiola explained. Akanji’s reliability and strength will be missed, leaving a gaping hole in City’s defense.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol – Available
On a positive note for City, both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are fit and available for the match. Dias has been a mainstay in the defense for several seasons, while Gvardiol, a summer signing, has impressed when called upon. These two players will likely form the heart of City’s defense in the absence of their injured counterparts.
Midfielders
In the midfield department, City will receive some much-needed reinforcements with the return of Phil Foden and Mateo Kovacic. Both players have been out of action in recent weeks, but their availability for the derby offers Guardiola a boost as they seek to regain form.
Phil Foden – Illness (Available)
Phil Foden’s season has been underwhelming so far, with the England international struggling to make the same impact as he did in the previous campaign. Foden missed matches against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace due to illness but traveled with the team for their midweek defeat to Juventus. He is expected to be available for the derby, and Guardiola will hope that Foden can find his rhythm and offer creativity in a midfield that has been lacking in recent weeks.
Mateo Kovacic – Unspecified Injury (Available)
Mateo Kovacic is another key player set to return for City. The Croatian midfielder has been sidelined since the November international break but will be available for selection against United. Kovacic is expected to play a crucial role in City’s midfield, especially with Ilkay Gundogan’s departure and recent struggles in the base of their midfield. Kovacic’s presence will be key in controlling the tempo of the game and offering defensive stability.
Summary of Injuries Ahead of the Manchester Derby
Here is a summary of Manchester City’s injury situation heading into the derby against Manchester United:
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan Ake | Unspecified | Out |
| Manuel Akanji | Abductor | Out |
| Rico Lewis | Suspended | Out |
| John Stones | Unspecified | Out |
| Phil Foden | Illness | Available |
| Mateo Kovacic | Unspecified | Available |
As Manchester City approach the derby, they will have to rely on their fit defenders and midfielders to compensate for the absences in key areas. With several crucial players unavailable, Guardiola faces a tough challenge in getting his team to perform at the required level. However, with the return of Foden and Kovacic, City will be hopeful of regaining some of their lost momentum as they seek to maintain their status as one of the Premier League’s most dominant forces. The derby is sure to be a pivotal match for both teams, and for City, it could mark the beginning of a much-needed resurgence.
