Manchester City head into the derby against Manchester United surrounded by doubts and growing pressure. After suffering back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s side face Sunday’s clash with no room for error. Now, their concerns deepen with a fresh setback to their attacking line.

What happened to Marmoush?

The big blow came for Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian forward signed this summer for €70 million from Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker injured his knee in the opening minutes of Egypt’s 0-0 draw with Burkina Faso and was forced off the pitch in visible pain.

City confirmed that the player underwent medical tests in Egypt before returning to England. The diagnosis ruled him out of the highly anticipated derby. He will now begin rehabilitation in Manchester with the goal of returning as soon as possible to Guardiola’s squad.

A significant absence for Guardiola

So far, Marmoush had featured in 28 matches for City, scoring eight goals and showing steady growth as an offensive option. His absence leaves Guardiola with fewer rotation choices, especially since fellow attacker Rayan Cherki is still sidelined with hamstring problems.

The timing couldn’t be worse: City need to end their slump, and the derby against United is seen as a pivotal game to regain confidence and avoid slipping further in the table.

What does his absence mean for the derby?

Without Marmoush or Cherki, Guardiola will have to fully rely on his main starters in attack. The offensive responsibility will once again fall on the likes of Erling Haaland, Julián Álvarez, and Phil Foden, who must lead the charge for a City side that cannot afford another setback in the Premier League.