Man Utd & Man City facing two big injury doubts ahead of Manchester derby

Both Manchester United and Manchester City players picked up knocks in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Harry Maguire and John Stones are both injury doubts heading into Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The pair picked up problems in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday night, with Stones replaced in the first period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Manchester City centre-back grimaced and appeared to hold his hamstring before having to be withdrawn, with club team-mate Kyle Walker slotting in at the heart of defence in Stones’ absence.

It means the 28-year-old is a major doubt for the derby, while his place at the World Cup could even be under threat should it prove to be a severe hamstring issue.

As for Maguire, his injury didn’t initially seem quite as serious, and the Manchester United captain managed to finish the game but was evidently struggling in the latter stages.

John Stones appeared in real pain just before he was replaced. Credit: Getty.John Stones appeared in real pain just before he was replaced. Credit: Getty.
John Stones appeared in real pain just before he was replaced. Credit: Getty.

England had already used their three permitted substitution windows when Maguire appeared to sustain a knock in injury-time, and a video has emerged on social media of him limping after the game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Journalist Guillermo Rai tweeted the short clip with the caption: “Maguire limps off from Wembley… (Southgate has said he had a hamstring problem).”

Meanwhile, England skipper Harry Kane said the United defender ‘played on one leg’ in the latter stages.

Maguire was moving awkwardly in the latter stages of the game. Credit: Getty.Maguire was moving awkwardly in the latter stages of the game. Credit: Getty.
Maguire was moving awkwardly in the latter stages of the game. Credit: Getty.

“He [Maguire] had a pretty decent injury there at the end, where he played another five, 10 minutes, on almost one leg,” said the striker. “Great character from him, I’m really proud of him for that.”

The injury compounded what was another frustrating night for Maguire, who gave away a clumsy penalty in the second half to give Germany a 1-0 lead at Wembley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They made it two via a sensational Kai Havertz strike before England responded with Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Kane netting to give the hosts an unlikely lead.

England drew 3-3 in their final game before the World Cup. Credit: Getty.England drew 3-3 in their final game before the World Cup. Credit: Getty.
England drew 3-3 in their final game before the World Cup. Credit: Getty.

However, they couldn’t hold on and a late blunder from Nick Pope presented Havertz with a tap-in from just a few yards, meaning the Nations League fixture finished level.

As for the Manchester derby, United and City meet on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium and Stones and Maguire are now major doubts for the clash.

The latter was unlikely to start, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez expected to play at the heart of defence. As for City, an injury to Stones could leave Pep Guardiola with three centre-back options: Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.