Injury rules out 13 Manchester City players ahead of Manchester derby

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Manchester City Face Injury Crisis Ahead of First Derby of the Season

Manchester City could head into their first Manchester derby of the 2025/26 campaign severely depleted, with as many as 13 first-team players unavailable through injury. Pep Guardiola’s side, already dealing with a congested September schedule, host Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium before quickly turning their attention to their UEFA Champions League opener against Napoli and a crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The injury list paints a worrying picture for the defending champions, who must now juggle their resources carefully in one of the busiest and most competitive stretches of the season.

List of Manchester City Players Expected to Miss the Derby

1. Marcus Bettinelli – The goalkeeper has been out since the start of the campaign with an unspecified issue. While not Guardiola’s first-choice option, his absence leaves City lighter in depth behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, and Stefan Ortega.

2. Rayan Aït-Nouri – Picked up an injury in the clash against Tottenham and was not called up by Algeria during the international break. His fitness remains a concern for Guardiola’s defensive setup.

3. Joško Gvardiol – Recently returned to training with City but opted out of Croatia’s camp to focus on recovery. While his progress is positive, he is still unlikely to be risked in the derby.

4. Abdukodir Khusanov – The Uzbekistan FA confirmed the defender suffered a calf injury against Brighton. He is expected to be out for around two weeks, making his involvement against United highly doubtful.

5. Rico Lewis – The versatile youngster withdrew from England Under-21 duty with a knock. His absence adds to Guardiola’s growing list of defensive and midfield worries.

6. John Stones – Managing muscle tightness, with the decision to rest him described as precautionary. However, his availability for the derby remains slim.

7. Rayan Cherki – The French midfielder is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury in August. Guardiola confirmed he will be out until at least late October.

8. Phil Foden – Missed the game against Brighton after being deemed not fully fit. His situation is less severe than others, but City may choose caution given the games ahead.

9. Mateo Kovačić – Recovering from Achilles surgery undergone in June. While edging closer to a return, Guardiola has previously indicated he may not be available until late September or early October.

10. Nico O’Reilly – The promising midfielder pulled out of England Under-21 duty with a knock, a setback that further reduces City’s midfield depth.

11. Kalvin Phillips – Still recovering from Achilles surgery. Even once fit, he is not expected to play a major role in Guardiola’s plans, but his absence underlines the thin midfield options available.

12. Savinho – Took part in light training during the international break and is targeting a return soon. However, the derby may come too early for him.

13. Omar Marmoush – Limped off during Egypt’s 0–0 draw with Burkina Faso, later spotted on crutches. City have confirmed the striker will be unavailable for the derby, further weakening their attacking options.

With such an extensive injury list, Guardiola faces one of his biggest squad management challenges since taking charge of Manchester City. Supporters will be hoping the majority of these players recover quickly, as October promises to be even busier with key fixtures both domestically and in Europe.