Manchester City loses the key player before Manchester United Derby after the FIFA International Break

The FIFA International Break is often a headache for Europe’s top managers, because many of their star players travel long and demanding competitions have to play in a short period. That often leads to fitness problems – that is exactly what happened to one of them Manchester CityThe most important players, only a few days before the derby against Manchester United.

On Tuesday Egypt Drew 1–1 with Burkina Faso in African World Cup qualificationsAnd Omar Marmoush Increased alarm bells after leaving the game only nine minutes in the first half due to a knee injury. He was replaced by Osama Faisal.

‘The first results on a scan performed in Egypt indicate that he will not be available for the Manchester Derby on SundayAnd he will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to start his rehabilitation, ” The citizens said in a statement that was shared on social media on Wednesday.

Marmoush’s injury is a big blow to coach Pep Guardiola. The Egyptian attacker could be seen in all three of Manchester City’s Premier League corresponds to this season 2025–26. He came across the bank in the season opener Wolverhamptonreplace Jeremy dockand then started in the defeats to Tottenham And Brighton.

Manchester City growth list

The knee injury of Omar Marmoush contributes to the increasing concerns of Guardiola. The manager is already without another attack option, Rayan Cherkiwhich is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks because of a hamstring injury that ran against Brighton last week.

Another player who was not available for that match at the American Express Community Stadium on Sunday 31 August Phil Foot. The young English midfielder had to deal with discomfort that he kept out of the game and also out England‘s Squad for the international break in September.

City vs. United: a derby of wrestling parties

This Sunday the Premier League will contain one of the most controversial matches of the season. Manchester City will be host at Etihad Stadium Manchester United In a derby that, unlike in recent years, finds both teams in difficult positions.

Manchester United has spent several seasons struggling to find consistency in both performance and results. That trend continued in this campaign, with one victory, one draw and one loss that leaves them in 9th place with 4 points. The Shock Carabao Cup output against the fourth Division Grimsby Town Intensified only the criticism aimed at coach Ruben Amorim.

For Manchester City, this kind of crisis is unknown territory. With two losses in three games and 13th in the table, their start of the season was far from ideal. A defeat at home for their greatest rivals would be a serious setback.