Man City suffer huge injury blow ahead of crucial Manchester Derby vs Man Utd

Topics: John Stones, Manchester City, Manchester United, Manchester Derby, English Premier League

This is a must-win derby for the Cityzens but Guardiola will have to make do without one of his best-performing players.

Manchester City are back in action in the Premier League, kicking off Saturday's fixtures list with an early trip to Old Trafford.

Guardiola's side face the daunting task of visiting the high-flying Man United as the Cityzens look to regain form in their title defense. Haaland and Co. have dropped points in three of their last eight English top-flight fixtures, losing two and drawing the other, meaning this is a must-win derby for the second-placed team.

Unfortunately, Pep will have to pull off a victory at the Theatre of Dreams without one of his best players. That man is none other than John Stones, the Spanish manager's star center-back.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip, Guardiola admitted that the Englishman hasn't recovered in time from an injury he picked up just before the 2-0 Carabao Cup quarterfinal defeat at Southampton. As a result, the 28-year-old will watch this Manchester Derby from the stands.

John Stones 'not ready' for the debry, says Guardiola
— Simon Bajkowski (@spbajko) January 13, 2023

Pep Guardiola has confirmed John Stones won't be fit for the Manchester derby tomorrow. Given the form of Cancelo, three of the back four are surely going to be Akanji, Laporte and Ake. Right-back up for debate.
— Alex Brotherton (@alex_brotherton) January 13, 2023

While Stones' issue isn't serious, his absence is a huge blow. The former Everton man has been one of the most solid center-backs in world football this season, let alone the Premier League, and could have offered unrivaled security in Pep's back-four.

While the Spaniard still has Akanji, Ake, and Laporte at his disposal, this is still a worry especially given the form Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is in. The Red Devils winger has 15 goals to his name so far this season across all competitions and is currently on a six-game scoring streak, netting in every single match since the FIFA World Cup ended.

Manchester City are five points behind league leaders Arsenal and are only four ahead of third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Manchester United. As a result, the Cityzens must be on their A-game or will risk losing further ground in the title race.