New Delhi: Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the derby against rivals Manchester United in the Premier League. City forward Omar Marmoush has been ruled out of the much-awaited clash due to a knee injury that he sustained while on international duty with the Egypt national team. Marmoush is the latest to join a host of City players who are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Marmoush picked up the injury during Egypt’s clash against Burkina Faso in the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The forward got injured just nine minutes into the game and limped off the pitch. He was later spotted on crutches as he left the ground.
Manchester City released a statement on Wednesday to confirm Marmoush’s injury and revealed that he will be heading to Manchester for further assessment and rehabilitation. The forward has also been ruled out of the upcoming derby against United, leaving City in a spot of bother with injury piling up ahead of the big game.
“Manchester City can confirm that Omar Marmoush has sustained a knee injury whilst on international duty with Egypt. “The City striker suffered the injury in the early stages of Egypt’s World Cup qualifying match with Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening,” City said in a statement.
“Initial results on a scan performed in Egypt indicate he will not be available for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and he will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation,” the club added.
Manchester City face injury crisis
Manchester City are dealing with a major injury crisis ahead of the all-important clash against United, with a number of players sidelined. Forward Ryan Cherki is already out of the Manchester Derby, having suffered a thigh injury last month. The likes of Mateo Kovacic, defender Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly and Savinho are also out injured.
Senior defender John Stones is also a doubt for the derby against United, having left the England squad during the ongoing international break due to a muscle problem. City have not had a great start to their Premier League campaign, having managed only 1 win in three matches so far this season. They will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways against United after losing 2-1 to Brighton in their last game.