🚨 15 Players Could MISS This Weekend’s Manchester Derby

Manchester Derby Injury Crisis: 15 Stars in Doubt as United and City Sweat Over Fitness Concerns

With four Manchester United players and eleven Manchester City stars doubtful, this weekend’s derby could be decided by squad depth and medical reports.

The countdown to the Manchester Derby has been overshadowed by a wave of injuries and fitness concerns threatening to derail both clubs’ preparations. A combined 15 players could be unavailable when Manchester United face Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend.

Manchester United’s Concerns (4 Players)

United boss Rúben Amorim is facing a headache of his own, with four first-team players struggling to be ready in time:

Lisandro Martínez – The Argentine defender has only just returned from a lengthy layoff and may not be risked from the start.
Luke Shaw – Still lacking full match fitness after his hamstring issues.
Mason Mount – Battling persistent injury troubles since joining the club.
Antony – Facing availability doubts due to fitness and conditioning concerns.

United, who have struggled for consistency this season, will need every ounce of defensive resilience if they are to stop Pep Guardiola’s men.

Manchester City’s Woes (11 Players)

On the other side of town, Pep Guardiola is dealing with an unprecedented injury list. Eleven senior City players are reportedly doubtful or unavailable:

Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring, long-term)
Jack Grealish (muscle injury)
John Stones (thigh)
Kyle Walker (knock)
Manuel Akanji (fitness issue)
Mateo Kovačić (calf problem)
Phil Foden (illness, late test)
Josko Gvardiol (ankle knock)
Ederson (goalkeeper fitness concerns)
Bernardo Silva (muscle tightness)
Matheus Nunes (thigh injury)

The absence of so many key names could strip City of their usual dominance in midfield and defence, leaving Guardiola with big decisions to make.

Manager Reactions

When asked about the situation, Guardiola tried to play down the crisis:

🗣️ “We always adapt. It’s not ideal, but this squad has shown resilience before. Whoever plays will give everything for the badge.”

United boss Amorim, however, believes both clubs’ misfortunes make the clash unpredictable:

🗣️ “It’s unusual to see so many key players missing for a derby. It might come down to energy, desire, and who wants it more.”

Fan Reactions

Fans on social media are split, with many United supporters seeing this as a rare opportunity to catch their rivals at their weakest.

One fan posted: “If we can’t beat City with half their squad missing, when will we ever?”

City fans, meanwhile, remain cautiously optimistic: “We still have Haaland. As long as he plays, we have a chance.”

Key Battles Despite Injuries

Even with the absentees, certain matchups will still decide the game:

Erling Haaland vs. Raphaël Varane – Can Varane marshal the defence against City’s lethal striker?
Bruno Fernandes vs. Rodri – If Rodri is passed fit, his battle with Bruno will dictate midfield control.
Goalkeepers – If Ederson is out, Stefan Ortega could be tested by United’s attackers.

Implications for the Title Race

For City, dropping points could have serious consequences in their chase for another Premier League crown. For United, victory could spark momentum in a season that has been inconsistent under Amorim.

Football pundit Gary Neville described it as “the strangest derby build-up in years — half of each squad could be watching from the stands rather than the pitch.”

15 total players doubtful (4 United, 11 City)
City have won 5 of the last 6 derbies
United have failed to win away at the Etihad in their last 3 attempts

Manchester Derby injury crisis

Manchester United, Manchester City, Manchester Derby, injury news, Pep Guardiola, Rúben Amorim, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Lisandro Martínez, Premier League

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Manchester Derby injury crisis: 15 players could miss the clash, with 4 Manchester United stars and 11 Manchester City players doubtful. Pep Guardiola and Rúben Amorim face major headaches ahead of the Premier League showdown.