Ruben Amorim has provided an update on his squad ahead of the Manchester derby at the weekend.
The United boss is hoping he can mastermind another defeat of our neighbours, following wins against them this term, in the Champions League with former club Sporting, and thanks to the Etihad Stadium comeback triumph with the Reds in December.
Despite the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, in our first game after a long break, there was some positive news with the return to action of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount.
In relation to Mount's fitness, Ruben said: “Yes, he can start, but we have to manage his minutes still.”
During his press conference at Carrington to preview Sunday's 16:30 BST kick-off, Amorim said he could welcome Kobbie Mainoo back into the matchday squad, after the young midfielder has been out, due to injury, since the Emirates FA Cup tie against Leicester City in February.
However, in-form defender Matthijs de Ligt has an “issue”
and must be considered a doubt for the match against the Blues, after picking up a knock at The City Ground.
“I think Kobbie is returning to training, so we’ll see and assess for this game already,”
said our head coach. “Of course, he cannot play a full game, he’s a long time without training.
”I think Matta [de Ligt] has an issue. He has something during the game [at Forest] and we have to assess. I think the rest is normal.”
Altay Bayindir was back and among the substitutes at Forest, while fellow keeper Tom Heaton has also been training again.
Lisandro Martinez will not play again this season, while Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans have all been sidelined of late.
CITY'S TEAM NEWS
Ahead of the big game, experienced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will be leaving the club in the summer.
Nonetheless, the Belgium international will be available after being rested for the 2-0 win over Leicester City in midweek.
Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were also unused substitutes but Oscar Bobb came on to make his first appearance since our Community Shield clash at Wembley in August.
Leading goalscorer Erling Haaland has joined John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rodri on the list of absentees.