Manchester City dealt significant injury setback ahead of Manchester United clash

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be without defender John Stones for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

The Premier League champions are looking to bounce back from crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek with a victory in the Manchester Derby this weekend.

City, who failed to register a single shot on target in Wednesday’s shock 2-0 loss to Southampton, can move within two points of current league leaders Arsenal with a win at Old Trafford.

However, United sit only four points behind the Blues coming into the match and have won their last eight matches in all competitions.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks when the two sides met at the Etihad Stadium in October, although a much sterner test is expected on Saturday.

Manager Pep Guardiola has revealed a significant injury blow ahead of the fixture, with central defender John Stones ruled out of the Manchester Derby due to injury.

The 28 year-old has made 13 starts for City so far this season and also missed Wednesday’s defeat at St Mary’s due to the problem.

“[Stones] is not ready. I think everyone else is fit,” said Guardiola on Friday afternoon.

City are also without fellow centre-back Ruben Dias, as the Portugal international remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Stones’ injury will be of concern, as City are also set to face Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening in the Premier League.

The England defender has previously scored for the Sky Blues at Old Trafford, netting during a 2-0 Carabao Cup win in 2021.