Injury crisis strikes as Manchester derby set to test struggling sides

Visitors Manchester City, once a dominant force in both English and European football, currently sit in fifth place with 51 points. While they remain in contention for a European spot, their recent form has seen them struggle to replicate their usual dominance.

Pep Guardiola's men have secured three wins in their last five matches across all competitions, but they have also drawn one and lost another, leaving their aspirations for silverware hanging in the balance.

However, City's neighbours, Manchester United, are in an even more precarious situation. Sitting 13th with just 37 points, they find themselves only two points ahead of Everton and amid a season that has seen them languish in the lower half of the table, well below the expectations set for a club of their stature.

Ruben Amorim's side have won just two of their last five games, with two draws and one loss, making this derby even more significant for the Red Devils as they look to climb back into contention.

What makes this derby even more remarkable is the growing list of injuries on both sides, which has severely impacted their depth and overall performance. For Manchester United, the treatment room includes Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo.

Meanwhile, City are also feeling the strain, with Rodri Hernandez, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and star striker Erling Haaland all sidelined.

With both teams in need of points and fielding weakened squads, Sunday's encounter at Old Trafford promises to be a tense meeting, where injuries and form will play a major role in determining the outcome.