The stage is set for a pivotal Manchester derby this Saturday at Old Trafford, but the blockbuster Premier League clash is overshadowed by a significant injury crisis affecting both sides. As many as nine players could be absent when Manchester United host rivals Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola's squad bearing the brunt of the fitness concerns.
Carrick's Interim Reign Begins Amid Squad Shortages
All eyes will be on Michael Carrick as he takes charge of Manchester United for the first time as interim manager, appointed until the season's end. The former United midfielder steps into the high-pressure role hoping for a dream start against the club's fiercest rivals. However, his plans have been complicated by confirmed absences in defence.
The hosts will be without key centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who is sidelined with a back injury. Carrick revealed on Friday that the Dutchman's recovery has been "slower than expected", though he should return soon. Fellow defender Noussair Mazraoui remains at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he is expected to feature for Morocco in Sunday's final against Senegal. Youngster Toby Collyer, recently recalled from a loan at West Brom, is also unavailable as he completes his recovery from injury.
Guardiola Grapples With Defensive Nightmare
For the visiting champions, the situation is even more severe. Manager Pep Guardiola is contending with a defensive injury crisis that threatens to derail City's title challenge against Arsenal. The Catalan boss confirmed several key players will miss the trip across Manchester.
The heart of City's defence is decimated. Ruben Dias is out with a hamstring injury suffered in early January, while John Stones remains unavailable with a thigh problem. In a massive blow, Josko Gvardiol will miss most of the remaining season after undergoing surgery on a tibial fracture. Midfielder Nico Gonzalez is a doubt after missing the midweek Carabao Cup win, with Guardiola stating a decision would be made after Friday training.
Additional Absences for City and United
City's attacking options are also impacted. Winger Omar Marmoush is on international duty with Egypt at AFCON and will play in Saturday's third-place play-off against Nigeria before returning. Young talent Oscar Bobb is ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up last week.
This accumulation of injuries places immense pressure on both managers. For Carrick, a positive result would provide a huge boost to his interim tenure. For Guardiola, a loss at Old Trafford could prove disastrous in the tightly-contested Premier League title race. The absence of so many key figures promises to make this derby an unpredictable and tense encounter, where squad depth and tactical ingenuity will be tested to the limit.
