Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow just days before the Manchester derby after Omar Marmoush was spotted in a leg brace and on crutches following a knee injury sustained on international duty. The 25-year-old forward, a January signing who has quickly become a favourite under Pep Guardiola, suffered the problem in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
Marmoush blow ahead of the Manchester derbyGuardiola juggling a massive injury crisisCity’s squad stretched before United clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Marmoush hobbled off and was later seen wearing his national team hoodie with his right leg strapped, sparking fears he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Egyptian FA released a statement confirming that he has sustained a knee ligament bruising at a minimum during the eighth round of qualifiers.
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The Egyptian FA statement said: "Dr Mohamed Abou El-Ela, the doctor of Egypt’s national football team, confirmed that Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament bruise during today’s match against Burkina Faso in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The player will undergo scans upon his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday morning."
Later on Wednesday, City issued their own update: "Manchester City FC 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. 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. Everyone at City wishes Omar a speedy recovery."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The timing could hardly be worse for Guardiola. His squad is already stretched thin, and the injury list reads more like a starting XI than a fitness report. Rayan Cherki is sidelined for at least two months with a thigh tear, while Kalvin Phillips remains a long-term absentee after Achilles surgery. Defenders Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones are all battling to be fit, with Stones pulling out of the England camp due to a muscle issue. Phil Foden and Savinho both missed City’s defeat to Brighton before the break and are racing against time to return. Guardiola could be without nine senior players for Sunday's Manchester derby, a nightmare scenario as United look to exploit City’s weakened ranks.
Getty WHAT NEXT?
City, hampered by injuries, are desperate to avoid dropping further points in the title race after suffering two successive losses against Wolves and Tottenham. Whereas United, buoyed by the win against Burnley, will sense weakness and look to take advantage.