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 watch as City manager, following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

What this means for the derby

Losing Doku is a genuine blow for Maresca. The Belgian winger’s pace and directness give City a different dimension in attack, and his absence removes one of the more explosive options from the bench or the starting eleven.

De Ligt’s absence, if confirmed, would weaken a defensive unit that can ill afford further disruption. Baleba’s ankle issue removes a midfield option at precisely the time United needs bodies in the center of the park to compensate for Ugarte’s long-term absence. Amad Diallo’s unavailability strips away one of United’s most creative attacking outlets, a player who has been central to Carrick’s plans this season.

Shaw’s doubtful status adds another layer of uncertainty to the left-back position.

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