City have a longer list of concerns upon first glance, but could welcome back several important options for this one. Rayan Cherki will not be available, having suffered a thigh injury that may keep him out until November. Mateo Kovacic is a long-term absentee but is close to a return from his Achilles injury.
Josko Gvardiol missed City’s last two matches and was absent from Croatia’s squad but may be available. Phil Foden wasn’t part of England’s international fixtures but is likely to return from an ankle injury for the derby. Compatriot John Stones withdrew from the national set-up, with Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel citing “minor muscle injuries.” He may well be fit in time for United.
Pep Guardiola will provide clarity on all of those players, as well as Savinho – who he predicted a post-break return for a fortnight ago – and Abdukodir Khusanov, who missed the defeat at Brighton, during his pre-match media commitments. His press conference is at 13:30 BST on Friday.
FORM GUIDE
After a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, City showed opening-day ruthlessness to put four past Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, with new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki netting.
That looked to have provided strong foundations for the new season, but Guardiola’s Blues were shocked at home on Matchday Two by a resolute, counter-attacking Tottenham Hotspur side. One thrilling goal on the break put Spurs ahead, before Joao Palhinha capitalised on City goalkeeper James Trafford’s loose pass to double the lead before half-time.
City appeared to be back on track when dominating Brighton, one week on, and leading thanks to another goal from Erling Haaland, but second-half tactical tweaks from Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler were game-changing. A James Milner penalty and late strike from Brajan Gruda subjected City to another loss.
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