The build-up to the Manchester derby has intensified as both clubs assess their squads ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Injuries and suspensions have already disrupted several teams across the Premier League, forcing managers to consider tactical tweaks and line-up changes.
International duty has added an extra layer of complexity, with key players returning carrying knocks or fatigue from national team matches.
For Manchester United, the timing could not be better, as their rivals are struggling with a mounting injury list.
Analysts are already predicting that squad availability could be decisive in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
Manchester City have been handed a fresh injury blow after confirming that Omar Marmoush will miss Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The 26-year-old sustained a knee injury just nine minutes into Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso, clutching his knee and showing visible discomfort before being substituted.
The Blues’ medical team have ruled him out for the derby, meaning Pep Guardiola must reorganise his attacking options without one of his key forwards.
Omar Marmoush has featured in all three Premier League fixtures this season.
He began on the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, before starting the last two matches, providing an assist in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
His absence adds to an already injury-hit City squad, with Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Bettinelli, and Kalvin Phillips all unavailable for the Manchester showdown.
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Additional doubts remain over Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, and Phil Foden, as per the Manchester Evening News.
For United, injury issues are far less severe, and recent developments have provided a boost.
The Premier League table reflects the tight competition, with United currently one point above City after one win, one draw, and one defeat.
City, meanwhile, started the campaign with a convincing win over Wolverhampton but have since suffered defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton.
With Marmoush ruled out, United will be hoping to exploit City’s injury woes and secure a pivotal victory in the derby.
