City's team news for Sunday's derby
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ruled Jack Grealish out of Sunday's derby against United.
The England international has not been a regular starter of late but was included in the line-up for the Emirates FA Cup win over Luton Town in midweek, only to be withdrawn in the first half with a groin problem.
"He will not be fit this weekend," declared Guardiola at his pre-match press conference. "When he comes back, I don't know. Setbacks are always there in life. He will overcome it."
The winger scored City's goal in their 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in last season's home derby for the Reds.
Team news for the Manchester derby
ArticleErik ten Hag is asked for the latest info on his squad ahead of Sunday's short trip to the Etihad Stadium.
City's only other fitness concern would appear to be defender Josko Gvardiol but Guardiola welcomed an extra 24 hours to prepare for Sunday's 15:30 GMT kick-off, with United facing Nottingham Forest at The City Ground on Wednesday.
"Tuesday to Sunday is a dream," he admitted. "Saturday to Tuesday, with trips, is a problem. The players were extraordinary against Luton. Two days off and now prepare against United."
Kevin De Bruyne is set to be available to start again, although he has been treated carefully since returning from a lengthy lay-off.
Guardiola has respect for Erik ten Hag's men and our current form as, other than the defeat to Fulham, results have been very good since the turn of the year.
"They went to Luton and beat them," he stressed. "Wolves and beat them. Aston Villa - to go and win, a few weeks ago. They have the biggest quality. From one action, they create something special with set-pieces, transitions.
"[They] always have been demanding, when they play good, they will win. In 2024, they lost just one game, the consistency is there. [We] prepare tactically, what we have to do to get three points."