Manchester City faces injury crisis ahead of Manchester United clash

Manchester City will travel to Old Trafford on September 13 for the first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 Premier League season, with kick-off set for 4:30 PM BST. And while the headline suggests Enzo Maresca’s side is the one sweating over its treatment room, the reality across town at United might actually be grimmer. City’s confirmed absentee is Jeremy Doku, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly has returned to full fitness after recovering from a back issue and is available for selection. United’s squad looks thinner Carlos Baleba is nursing an ankle problem. Amad Diallo is sidelined with an ankle and muscle issue that has limited his availability. Matthijs de Ligt is dealing with a back injury that puts his involvement in doubt. Manuel Ugarte’s ACL knee injury has kept him out long-term, a blow that has rippled through United’s midfield planning for months. Tom Heaton is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, and Luke Shaw remains doubtful. City came through a Champions League victory against FC Porto with no additional concerns heading into the derby. The Maresca era under the microscope This is the first Manchester derby under Enzo Maresca’s wat...