Premier League Manchester City will be near full-strength when they make the short trip for Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola’s side were given a huge fitness boost when the manager confirmed on Friday that playmaker David Silva would be fit to play, having previously been a major injury doubt.
Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s top of the table fixture, Guardiola said that despite Silva feeling uncomfortable after last week’s win against West Ham, and subsequently missing out in the final Champions League group clash in midweek, the Spanish international has been passed fit to play:
“[Silva] is going to play. The doctor told me at the beginning of the week there was a doubt about him playing that’s why I said what I said but today he arrived and said he is really good so he is going to play.”
Silva’s availability means that Guardiola will now only be sweating on Vincent Kompany, with the Belgian set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the fixture. The City boss also hopes to have Fabian Delph, with Benjamin Mendy and John Stones on the long-term absentee list.
For Manchester United, meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Phil Jones, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nemanja Matic have all been passed fit to play, though Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick have been ruled out. Marouane Fellaini will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability, while influential midfielder Paul Pogba misses out as he begins a three-game suspension as a result of his red card against Arsenal last weekend.
Man City enjoy an eight-point lead over their local rivals and are yet to be beaten in the league this season, but Man United and Mourinho will be buoyed by the 3-1 win at the Emirates last Saturday.
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In this week’s episode of the Mixer Irish Football Podcast, We chat to former Limerick and Cork City striker John O’Flynn about his search for a new club, we discuss Robbie Brady’s injury and recap the latest LOI transfer news.
Read More About: david silva, fabian delph, jose mourinho, Man City, Man United, marouane fellaini, pep guardiola, phil jones, Premier League, vincent kompany, zlatan ibrahimovic
