Manchester derby injury crisis as 13 stars from both sides may miss out

THE Manchester derby has descended into chaos with THIRTEEN players at risk of missing out through injury.

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush became the latest stricken star.

6 Omar Marmoush is out of the Manchester derby Credit: Getty

6 Pep Guardiola is without a long list of players with Phil Foden among those set to miss the game Credit: Reuters

The Egyptian suffered a knee injury against Burkina Faso while on international duty on Tuesday.

He was pictured on crutches with his right knee in a brace in his national team's hoodie.

After the game, an Egyptian FA statement said: "Dr Mohamed Abou El-Ela, the doctor of Egypt’s national football team, confirmed that Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament bruise during today’s match against Burkina Faso in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"The player will undergo scans upon his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday morning."

And while it remains unclear on the extent of the damage, his club confirmed initial scans indicate he will miss the clash with their neighbours.

City said on Wednesday: "He will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation.

"Everyone at City wishes Omar a speedy recovery."

The two sides face off at the Etihad at 4.30pm on Super Sunday.

But both managers will be struggling to work out their starting XI with so many players unavailable.

As well as Marmoush, Pep Guardiola could be without another eight first-teamers.

Rayan Cherki is expected to miss two months with a thigh tear and not return until November while Kalvin Phillips is a long-term absentee due to an Achilles problem.

Mateo Kovacic has still not returned from Achilles surgery at the end of last season.

Defensive trio Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones all look on course to miss out on the derby - the latter linked up with England but pulled out of the camp with a minor muscle problem.

Phil Foden and Savinho sat out of the defeat to Brighton before the international break and face a race against time to be fit to face United.

Rico Lewis and Nico O'Reilly both skipped England Under-21 duty but it is unknown if they are at risk of missing the game - while goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli would not have played anyway.

As for Ruben Amorim, his torrid start to the season has not been helped by injuries.

The United boss could be without four key men for the short trip across town on Sunday.

MANCHESTER CITY: 9

MANCHESTER UNITED: 4

TOTAL: 13

Defender Lisandro Martinez has not played since February 2 due to a long-term ACL injury and remains sidelined.

The Argentine was joined in the Old Trafford treatment room by Brazilian Matheus Cunha .

The £62.5million summer signing from Wolves strained his hamstring against Burnley on August 30.

He withdrew from his country's World Cup qualifiers and is out of contention for Sunday.

Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot could also be forced to watch from the sidelines if they do not return to fitness in time.

Mount came off at half-time in the dramatic game with the Clarets , having soldiered on for 30 minutes with his strain, while Dalot withdrew from Portugal duty .

But while some familiar faces may be forced to sit out of the Manchester derby, there could be two new ones in between the sticks.

United signed Senne Lammens on deadline day for £18.3m.

And with Andre Onana potentially heading to Turkey on loan , the Belgian is in contention for a high-pressure debut.

At the other end, Gianluigi Donnarumma looks on course to make his City debut after arriving from PSG just before the transfer window closed.

6 Matheus Cunha limped off against Burnley Credit: EPA

6 The Brazilian is making progress in his recovery Credit: Instagram @cunha

6 Mason Mount also went off in the game with the Clarets Credit: PA

6 Gianluigi Donnarumma could make his City debut against their big rivals Credit: Alamy