Man City could be without 10 stars for Manchester United derby

Manchester City are facing a deepening injury crisis as they approach the highly anticipated Manchester derby against Manchester United on September 14, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium.

The reigning Premier League champions, already reeling from consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, could be without as many as ten key players for the crucial clash, with another star withdrawing from international duty this week.

Pep Guardiola’s side, currently languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table with just three points from nine, are desperate to turn their season around, but the mounting injury toll threatens to derail their ambitions.

The latest blow came when defender John Stones withdrew from England’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia due to a muscle issue.

England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Stones, who has started all three of City’s matches this season, left the camp as a precautionary measure after failing to recover as expected.

His availability for the derby remains uncertain, joining a growing list of sidelined stars. Alongside Stones, City are sweating over the fitness of young defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who withdrew from Uzbekistan’s squad after sustaining a calf injury in the Brighton defeat. The Uzbekistan FA estimates a two-week recovery period, casting doubt on his participation.

City’s injury woes extend beyond their defense. Key players Erling Haaland, Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji are already ruled out for the derby.

Haaland, the team’s talisman with 30 goals this season, is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Rodri continues his recovery from an ACL tear. Ake and Akanji are battling foot and groin issues, respectively, further depleting Guardiola’s defensive options.

Midfielders Rayan Cherki, out for two months with a thigh injury, and Mateo Kovacic, not expected back until late September, add to the crisis.

Wingers Savinho and Phil Foden are also nursing knocks, while goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is doubtful. Kalvin Phillips, recovering from Achilles surgery, rounds out the lengthy absentee list.

This mounting injury toll leaves Guardiola with a selection headache as City aim to secure a vital win to bolster their Champions League qualification hopes.

The return of Josko Gvardiol and the recent cameo from Oscar Bobb offer some hope, but the absence of so many regulars could force Guardiola to rely on inexperienced youngsters like Nico O’Reilly or makeshift defensive pairings. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, are buoyed by their dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley and a previous 2-1 victory at the Etihad last season.

However, United also face injury concerns, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount doubtful after limping off against Burnley, and Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot sidelined.

The 196th Manchester derby promises to be a tense affair, with both sides grappling with depleted squads. For City, the challenge is stark: overcome their injury crisis or risk falling further behind in a season already teetering on the edge. Fans will be glued to Sky Sports at 16:30 BST, hoping their patched-up side can deliver.