Guardiola Dealt Another Blow as Marmoush Suffers Injury Ahead of Manchester Derby Showdown

Key Takeaways:

• Omar Marmoush was substituted with a knee injury after just nine minutes of Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso
• Manchester City face a growing injury list before Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, with several key players unavailable
• Manchester United have received recent boosts with Casemiro’s early return to training, while Lisandro Martinez could also make a comeback

Marmoush Doubtful After Injury in International Duty

Manchester City are facing yet another injury headache ahead of their Premier League derby with Manchester United on Sunday, following Omar Marmoush’s premature withdrawal from Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso. Marmoush lasted only nine minutes before going down clutching his knee, visibly in discomfort, and was forced to be substituted. The extent of his injury remains unclear, leaving Pep Guardiola uncertain whether the striker will be fit to feature in the much-anticipated Manchester derby.

UPDATED Manchester City injury list:

– Rayan Cherki
– Phil Foden
– Kovacic
– Gvardiol
– Savinho
– Bettinelli
– Rico Lewis
– O’Reilly
– Khusanov
– Omar Marmoush 🆕 pic.twitter.com/TpSYw3G5sR

— Real Talk Manchester City (@RealTalkMCFC) September 9, 2025

Guardiola’s Injury Woes Deepen

Marmoush’s absence would be a fresh blow for City, especially given his involvement this season – the 26-year-old has appeared in all three Premier League fixtures for the Citizens, coming off the bench against Wolves and starting the following two matches, including providing an assist in the loss to Brighton.

Alongside the Marmoush concerns, City will be without Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Marcus Bettinelli, and Kalvin Phillips for Sunday’s encounter with United. Additionally, there are significant doubts surrounding the availability of Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, and Phil Foden, compounding a growing list of fitness problems for Guardiola’s side.

United Bolstered By Player Returns

Manchester United, meanwhile, are in a comparatively stronger position regarding injuries. The Reds have benefited from Casemiro’s early return to the Carrington training ground following a suspension triggered by accumulated yellow cards, which also meant he missed Brazil’s defeat to Bolivia. Furthermore, Matheus Cunha – who sustained an injury against Burnley and had to withdraw from the Brazil squad – has provided positive updates on his rehabilitation via social media.

There is also the prospect that Lisandro Martinez, who has been out with a long-term injury, may be available to face City. However, doubts continue to linger over Mason Mount, who picked up a knock versus Burnley, and Diogo Dalot, who withdrew from Portugal duty with a possible muscular issue.

Premier League Standings and Recent Form

Both Manchester clubs come into the weekend seeking a vital victory after inconsistent starts to the season. United are currently one point ahead of City, having registered a win, a draw, and a defeat, although they endured a disappointing exit to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. City started their campaign in emphatic fashion with a commanding win over Wolves, but successive defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton have taken the shine off their early season promise.