Man City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that only 4 players are likely to be missing for the game against Manchester United this weekend.
At one point, it looked like up to 11 members of the first-team squad could be on the sidelines, but speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola allayed those fears.
“Omar [Marmoush] is injured. Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki [is injured]. The rest are fine. Stones as well is a doubt. Not a big issue but he is a doubt for Sunday.”
Guardiola also confirmed the timescale for Marmoush’s return. The Egyptian injured his knee whilst playing for his country against Burkina Faso earlier this week. He is expected to be out until the next international break.
Foden and others are set to be in contention for Sunday
Phil Foden missed England duty with an ankle problem, while the likes of Mateo Kovacic (Achilles), Savinho (muscular) and Josko Gvardiol have not played at all this season due to fitness problems.
However, these four are now back in training, along with Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly, who all pulled out of their international squads.
What is the situation with Stones?
The centre-back was called up by England but head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that he was sent back to Manchester as a precaution due to a muscular injury.
Based on Guardiola’s remarks, it seems unlikely that Stones will be in the starting eleven on Sunday evening. That would suggest Ruben Dias will come into the side to take his place.
In terms of other absentees, Ait-Nouri’s injury is somewhat surprising, considering he recovered from an ankle problem to start against Brighton. The Algerian may have suffered a recurrence.
Cherki, meanwhile, is not expected to return to action before November due to a thigh injury.
Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here