Manchester City will travel to Old Trafford on September 13 for the first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 Premier League season. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM BST.

Although attention has focused on Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City side, Manchester United appear to be facing the more extensive injury problems ahead of the match. The final availability decisions could influence both teams’ selection options, particularly in United’s defence and midfield.

City’s confirmed absentee is Jeremy Doku, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Nico O’Reilly, however, has returned to full fitness after recovering from a back issue and is available for selection. City also reported no additional injury concerns after its Champions League victory over FC Porto.

United dealing with multiple absences

Manchester United’s squad has been affected by a series of fitness issues. Carlos Baleba is nursing an ankle problem, while Amad Diallo is sidelined by an ankle and muscle issue that has limited his availability.

Matthijs de Ligt is dealing with a back injury that places his involvement in doubt. Manuel Ugarte has been out long term with an ACL knee injury, an absence that has affected United’s midfield planning for several months. Tom Heaton is unavailable because of a hamstring injury, and Luke Shaw remains doubtful.

With several players either unavailable or awaiting fitness decisions, United’s confirmed lineup and matchday squad will be important indicators of how the club manages its defensive and midfield options for the derby.

First derby of the Maresca era

The match will be the first Manchester derby under Maresca’s management of City, following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Jeremy Doku’s absence is a significant loss for the new manager. The Belgian winger’s pace and direct attacking style provide City with a different option, and his unavailability removes one of the team’s more explosive choices from either the starting lineup or the bench.

For United, De Ligt’s potential absence would further disrupt a defensive unit already dealing with fitness concerns. Baleba’s ankle problem removes another midfield option as the club manages Ugarte’s long-term absence. Diallo’s unavailability also takes away one of United’s creative attacking outlets and a player who has been central to Carrick’s plans this season.

Shaw’s doubtful status creates additional uncertainty at left-back. Updated medical assessments and the final team sheets will determine which of the outstanding fitness concerns affect the match itself.

Source: CryptoBriefing