The build-up to Sunday’s Manchester derby is already intensifying, with both clubs under pressure to put shaky starts behind them.
United may have edged one point ahead of their rivals in the Premier League table, but Ruben Amorim knows his side cannot afford another slip after the humiliation of being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.
The Reds have shown flashes of promise in the league yet remain inconsistent, while City have faltered since their opening-day demolition of Wolverhampton Wanderers, suffering back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton.
With both sides desperate to regain momentum, every injury update could prove decisive in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Manchester City have now been dealt a fresh blow, with forward Omar Marmoush forced off after just nine minutes of Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso.
The 26-year-old went down clutching his knee in visible distress, leaving Pep Guardiola facing an anxious wait to discover whether he will be fit for Sunday’s clash.
Omar Marmoush has been heavily involved since arriving at the Etihad, appearing in all three league fixtures so far, starting the last two and even registering an assist against Brighton.
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But his absence from the Manchester derby would add to an already lengthy injury list for City, who are expected to be without Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki and Kalvin Phillips, while further doubts linger over Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones and Phil Foden, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
In contrast, United’s injury situation looks far more manageable, with positive news emerging from Carrington in recent days.
Casemiro has returned early from international duty after picking up a suspension for Brazil, giving him extra preparation time ahead of the derby.
Matheus Cunha, who withdrew from the Brazil squad with a knock sustained against Burnley, has been sharing optimistic updates on social media, suggesting he could feature on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term concern but could yet make a surprise return, while Mason Mount’s recovery is being closely monitored.
Diogo Dalot, meanwhile, is also a doubt after leaving the Portugal camp with a muscular problem, though Amorim will hope to have him available for what could be a crucial battle on the flanks.
Both teams know a win could transform their campaigns, but with City’s injury crisis deepening, United may sense an opportunity to make a statement at the Etihad.
