Manchester City’s preparations for one of the biggest fixtures of their season have been rocked by an untimely injury scare. Striker Omar Marmoush has reportedly sustained a knee problem while on international duty, raising serious doubts about his availability for Sunday’s high-voltage Premier League derby against Manchester United.
The Egyptian forward, who has quickly become a valuable option in Pep Guardiola’s attacking setup, was withdrawn after complaining of discomfort during training with his national side. Early reports suggest the issue may not be long-term, but the timing could hardly be worse for City.
With the Manchester derby looming large at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola may be forced into a tactical reshuffle if Marmoush is sidelined. The 25-year-old’s pace and versatility have provided the champions with an extra edge in recent weeks, and his absence would leave City slightly lighter in the final third.
For Guardiola, this is yet another reminder of the fine margins at play in elite football. The Spaniard has already had to navigate key injuries this season, and losing Marmoush before a clash that could shape the title race is far from ideal.
On the other side of the city, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will be watching developments closely. Any disruption to their rivals’ preparations could tilt the balance in what is always a fiercely contested encounter.
City fans, however, will remain hopeful. The club’s medical team is expected to assess Marmoush in the coming days, with an official update anticipated ahead of the weekend. Until then, anticipation and anxiety will run in parallel, as the blue half of Manchester waits to discover whether their new attacking spark will light up Sunday’s derby.