Man City vs Man United derby could have 12 stars missing after fresh injury blows

Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim have both revealed they'll be missing several key stars for Sunday afternoon's Manchester derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

United face fewer headaches, though Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have suffered recent blows. Both players hobbled off during the thrilling 3-2 triumph over Burnley a fortnight ago, while Diogo Dalot withdrew from Portugal duty in September's break.

The trio have been ruled out by Amorim for the cross-city clash. They in turn join Lisandro Martinez in Carrington's medical room at United's Carrington base.

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"They are out for this game, I don't know how long it's going to take," Amorim stated in Friday's press conference. "We need these guys to be a competitive team.

"We have very good players, who are eager to play, so we will be competitive on Sunday. But they are out."

When pressed on the potential length of their absences, Amorim continued: "I don't want to say. If you talk to Cunha outside, he will say he can play this game. They are pushing really hard."

As for City, Guardiola appears set to be without several vital figures. However, the Catalan head coach may also welcome back a crucial trio.

On the brighter side, there, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho have both resumed training lately and might therefore be involved, while Phil Foden is anticipated to be available. The September international break didn't treat Guardiola kindly, with Omar Marmoush picking up an injury while representing Egypt, just days after John Stones had to pull out from the England squad.

The City boss provided updates on these two. He also confirmed other names on the injury list.

"Omar is injured. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki [is injured]. The rest are fine," he stated on Friday.

"Stones as well is a doubt. Not a big issue, but he is a doubt for Sunday."

When quizzed about how long Marmoush might be side-lined, Guardiola disclosed: "We have to make the last tests. A few weeks. Before the [October] international break he will be ready."

Players like Mateo Kovacic, Marcus Bettinelli, Kalvin Phillips and Abdukodir Khusanov have been nursing injuries recently. However, the latter duo could be fit, having been spotted in training.

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