Man City Dealt Injury Setback Ahead of Manchester United Game | OneFootball

Fresh setback for Egyptian forward

Manchester City face fresh uncertainty ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester United after Omar Marmoush suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Egypt.

The 27-year-old forward was named in the starting XI for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso but lasted fewer than ten minutes before limping off. The incident occurred following a challenge in the fourth minute, with Marmoush initially attempting to continue before signalling he could not carry on. He was replaced by Osama Faisal, who later had a goal ruled out for offside in a match that ended goalless.

Marmoush remained on the bench with visible strapping on his right knee, raising immediate concerns over his availability for City’s crucial upcoming fixtures.

Early diagnosis from Egypt camp

Egypt’s medical team later confirmed that Marmoush had sustained a knee ligament bruise. Further scans were scheduled upon the squad’s return to Cairo on Wednesday morning, with City waiting anxiously for a clearer picture of the damage.

For Pep Guardiola’s side, the timing could hardly be worse. The Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium looms large, followed quickly by their Champions League opener against Napoli and a trip to Arsenal — a sequence of fixtures that will shape the early narrative of their season.

Marmoush’s impact since January move

Since his £59 million arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, Marmoush has become a significant figure in City’s attack. He has registered eight goals in 28 appearances across all competitions and provided Guardiola with a versatile option in the forward line. His pace and movement have been particularly valuable in opening up compact defences, a trait City may now be without in the coming weeks.

Marmoush’s form in the early stages of the new campaign has reinforced why the club invested heavily in him, and his potential absence would represent a notable tactical setback.

Wider injury picture at Man City

City’s squad is already stretched by fitness issues. Mateo Kovacic, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho have all faced spells on the sidelines, while Abdukodir Khusanov picked up a knock against Brighton. John Stones also withdrew from England duty with a muscular problem, adding to Guardiola’s concerns.

Erling Haaland has endured his own unusual setback, needing stitches after being struck by a team bus door while away with Norway, although the striker responded by scoring five goals in their 11-1 victory over Moldova.

Manchester United arrive at the derby with questions of their own, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount both doubts after hobbling out of their recent win against Burnley.

With both clubs facing mounting injury lists, the derby could hinge not only on tactical execution but on who is able to call upon their key performers. For City, the condition of Omar Marmoush is now at the centre of that conversation.