Man City injury news and predicted return dates ahead of Manchester United clash

Manchester City have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of facing local rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

The derby clash is the beginning of a tough run of games for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bragging rights may be on the line but City will also be conscious of at least maintaining their one-point gap to leaders Liverpool ahead of important league meetings against Jurgen Klopp’s side and fellow title rivals Arsenal this month.

United will be determined to spoil City’s ambitions as Erik ten Hag’s side look to chase a possible Champions League place. City have won five of their last six meetings, including last season’s FA Cup final, but will be without a key player for Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.

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Pep Guardiola has no other injury concerns but did confirm that Jack Grealish had suffered a recurrence of his groin injury after returning to the team ahead of schedule. The winger managed just 38 minutes against Luton Town in midweek before being substituted in the FA Cup tie.

Guardiola does not believe that Grealish will return until after the March international break. That means the forward is likely to also miss Copenhagen in the Champions League, away at Liverpool in the Premier League and the FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United.

What Guardiola has said: "I don't think [he will be back before the internationals]. I haven't spoken to the doctors but I think he has to recover well to use him as much as possible. We have an alternative. Setbacks in life are always there, it is how