Pep Guardiola reveals concerning Omar Marmoush injury timeframe | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has offered further insight on the timeframe expected for Omar Marmoush to recover from a knee injury sustained during the international break.

The Egyptian forward was forced off in the early stages of his nation’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso earlier this week, with City later confirming that he would not be available for the Manchester derby.

The club’s initial statement explained that Marmoush would return to Manchester for further assessment after undergoing an early scan in Egypt. That update has now been followed up by Pep Guardiola in his latest press conference ahead of the derby clash with Manchester United.

Marmoush, who has been working to settle into life under Pep Guardiola since his arrival in January, now faces a period on the sidelines just as he was beginning to establish his place in the first-team rotation.

The timing of the setback comes as Manchester City contend with a series of fitness concerns across their squad, with Pep Guardiola frequently being forced to shuffle his options across the forward line.

Marmoush’s absence will only heighten the importance of Erling Haaland rediscovering consistent rhythm after his remarkable exploits on international duty for Norway, and combining better with wide stars such as Jeremy Doku, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s clash against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Pep Guardiola has offered further detail on Omar Marmoush’s injury setback sustained earlier this week.

“Not yet, he has to make the last tests, but [he will be out for] a few weeks, I think so,” Guardiola responded when asked for a specific timeframe on the 26-year-old’s injury absence.

He continued, “Before or after the [next] international break he will be ready.”

Should Marmoush’s recovery stretch to the end of the next international break, the Egyptian could miss up to seven matches including two UEFA Champions League clashes against Napoli and AS Monaco, plus a high-profile Premier League meeting with Arsenal away from home.

For Pep Guardiola, who has already had to manage long-term absences for the likes of Rodri in recent campaigns, this will be another test of squad depth, while Marmoush’s spell out of action could also create opportunities for others within Guardiola’s ranks.

Manchester City’s fans will be hopeful that Omar Marmoush’s rehabilitation runs smoothly and that Pep Guardiola’s optimism over a return before or just after the next international window proves accurate.

With decisive games looming on both domestic and European fronts, every available forward option could prove crucial in maintaining momentum.