Manchester City have been dealt a hefty blow as it has emerged that midfield general Rodri has been forced to miss the titanic clash with Manchester United, with the midfielder deemed not fully fit following a calf injury, according to the Manchester City website.
The Spaniard had started every game for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season, starring at the base of midfield but will have to watch his side contest the derby from the stands.
Rodri joins a growing list of injured Cityzens, with John Stones having limped out of international duty with a hamstring injury while compatriot Kalvin Phillips underwent shoulder surgery at the beginning of the break, and could be out until after the World Cup.
However, Aymeric Laporte has been passed fit enough to join up with the Manchester City squad, taking a place on the bench for the hosts for the first time this season.
The Spaniard’s injury means that it will be Ilkay Gundogan playing at the base of midfield, rather than the more advanced role that he usually occupies, while Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will take up the other two central roles.
🔵 Your City line-up for the derby! 🔵
XI | Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo, Gundogan (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland, Grealish
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Dias, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Palmer, Lewis#ManCity | @HaysWorldwide pic.twitter.com/rAGmzPTQ33
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 2, 2022
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been handed a boost as Marcus Rashford has been passed fit following injury that ruled him out of international action. The Englishman leads the line for the visitors, and will be looking to continue his fast start to the season.
🥊 In the red corner…#MUFC || #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 2, 2022
