Manchester Derby Crisis: City's Injury List Revealed as United Clash Looms
Manchester City are looking for their inaugural Premier League victory of 2026 in Saturday's Manchester Derby, and the Citizens cannot afford any additional immediate setbacks if they want to maintain their challenge against Arsenal at the top.
The Gunners hold a six-point advantage following City's series of draws, but Pep Guardiola's team approach the forthcoming derby following an outstanding performance in the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United. A 2–0 success means they are close to reaching the final.
That victory was even more remarkable considering their numerous defensive injuries, with Guardiola relying on a teenager who had spent the season's first half on loan at Watford to partner Abdukodir Khusanov.
Guardiola would be bold to keep Max Alleyne in his starting lineup on Saturday, but the manager's options may be limited, considering their defensive injury crisis remains unchanged ahead of the derby.
Here are the players Man City will be missing when they travel the short distance across the city to the Theatre of Dreams.
Rúben Dias
Rúben Dias
The hamstring problem Dias sustained at the beginning of the year will sideline him for several more weeks, with Guardiola indicating the Portuguese defender will be "back soon" during his pre-match media briefing.
The City manager anticipated Dias would be absent for up to six weeks after the severity of his injury became apparent following the 1–1 stalemate with Chelsea on Jan. 4.
Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol
Guardiola offered some positive injury news concerning his injured defenders before the derby, but he also verified that Gvardiol, who broke his leg in the Chelsea draw, won't return in the near future.
The Croatian defender had been a regular fixture in City's backline, but is now expected to miss a significant portion of the remaining campaign.
Nico González
Nico González
González appeared to be establishing himself in Man City's midfield during the autumn, but the Spanish player, who arrived at the club twelve months ago, has encountered another fitness problem.
City have been missing the midfielder for their last few matches due to a minor bone problem picked up against Brighton & Hove Albion on Jan. 7.
He appears to be back in consideration for the derby, with Guardiola stating that Friday's training session will decide whether he features at Old Trafford. City have Rodri ready if González isn't considered fit enough.
John Stones
John Stones
Man City are preparing for the future without John Stones, having secured a deal to acquire Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi on Friday.
Stones has battled with injuries since City's 2022–23 treble-winning season, and Guardiola has been unable to count on him regularly. Consequently, the England defender is set to depart when his contract concludes at the season's end.
He hasn't appeared since early December due to a thigh problem, and has probably already participated in his final Manchester Derby.
Omar Marmoush
Omar Marmoush
Marmoush has netted twice for Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, but his team was eliminated from the tournament by Senegal in the semi-finals. However, the striker hasn't returned to Manchester yet. Egypt may not be competing in Sunday's final, but they're playing against Nigeria with third place at stake.
Marmoush will rejoin the City squad shortly after, and he might be available for Tuesday's Champions League match at Bodø/Glimt.
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb
The young Norwegian winger has experienced poor injury fortune since his pre-season emergence in 2024, and he's currently out with a hamstring problem.
There's increased competition for wide positions after Antoine Semenyo joined the club, and discussions have begun regarding a possible loan move for Bobb this month. The winger, however, isn't anticipated to recover until February.
Savinho
Savinho
Savinho nearly departed the club during the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur showing strong interest, but the Brazilian remained.
Guardiola mentioned in October that he was satisfied with the winger's development, but Savinho's campaign has been quite disappointing so far. Injuries have contributed, and his most recent setback, sustained on New Year's Day at Sunderland, will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
He's projected to return sometime in February.
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic
Kovačić's return during the autumn was short-lived, as the Croatian midfielder had surgery to address a persistent heel injury.
The midfielder isn't expected to return soon, but Croatia's medical department head, Tomislav Vlahović, believes he'll be ready well before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. Therefore, it appears probable that Kovačić will feature for City again this season.