Stones, Akanji, Lewis - Man City injury and suspension news and return dates

Manchester City welcome cross-city rivals Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in dire need of some positive inspiration to kickstart their season.

Pep Guardiola's men have found themselves in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis and that has coincided with a dreadful run of just one win in their last 10 matches.

Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie condemned them to a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and their qualification hopes in Europe are now hanging by a thread.

It is perhaps the worst time for a Manchester derby for City but they know they must win to keep alive any slight hopes they have of reeling Liverpool in and retaining the Premier League title for a fifth successive season.

Ahead of Sunday's crucial game, here is a look at the current injury and suspension situation at the Etihad Stadium.

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Injury: Unknown

What we know: The City boss said Akanji was just battling through fitness issues having been withdrawn at half time in the win over Nottingham Forest last Wednesday. He has missed the last two matches but is expected to return sooner than fellow defender Nathan Ake.

Potential return date: Manchester United (H) December 15

Injury: Hamstring

What we know: Ake was forced off late on in the win over Forest with a hamstring injury. There were fears it would be serious and while it is understood not to be a long term issue, Guardiola has remained coy about when he can return.

He has missed both of City's last two matches.

Potential return date: Late