The international break has drawn to a close and focus can now shift to the main event: the Manchester Derby. Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim will have had Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium firmly in their sights, with both teams having endured less-than-ideal Premier League starts.

City presently sit one point adrift of United following the opening three fixtures, with the Spanish boss's squad having already suffered two losses. The international period has brought Guardiola little respite, as Omar Marmoush had to leave the pitch nine minutes into Egypt's World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso.

The forward received a hefty tackle and initially tried to continue but ultimately gave in to his problem and was diagnosed with a "knee ligament bruise".

A statement from the Egyptian FA declared: "Dr. Mohamed Abou El-Ela, the doctor of Egypt's national football team, confirmed that Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament bruise during today's match against Burkina Faso in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The player will undergo scans upon his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday morning."

A subsequent message, issued by City, confirmed: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Omar Marmoush has sustained a knee injury whilst on international duty with Egypt. The City striker suffered the injury in the early stages of Egypt's World Cup qualifying match with Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening.

"Initial results on a scan performed in Egypt indicate he will not be available for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and he will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation."

However, that could merely be the start of City's worries, depending on whether the numerous injured stars recover in time to face United following their own fitness concerns.

Abdukodir Khusanov was absent from Uzbekistan's internationals with a calf problem that was expected to sideline him for a fortnight, whilst John Stones trained with England before withdrawing from the squad on Friday after failing to shake off a minor muscle complaint.

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Rico Lewis and Nico O'Reilly both pulled out of England Under-21 duty, and Rayan Ait-Nouri didn't travel to represent Algeria.

Guardiola's press conference will provide updates on Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, Marcus Bettinelli and Phil Foden, who could make their comebacks but will need to demonstrate their fitness for one of the season's most demanding encounters.

Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic remain long-term casualties, whilst Kalvin Phillips is unlikely to be involved.

Amorim faces his own worries though.

Diogo Dalot withdrew from Portugal's international camp as the nation's federation confirmed the defender was experiencing "muscle discomfort".

Matheus Cunha was unavailable for Brazil after sustaining a hamstring injury against Burnley, but there is some optimism the problem may not be as severe as initially feared. "What an incredible environment, it's great to be here," Cunha wrote on Instagram last week.

"I'll be back soon, always with joy and gratitude. Thanks for all the messages."

Mason Mount also sustained an injury during the victory against the Clarets. News is expected ahead of this weekend's fixture, as the 26-year-old has featured in every Premier League game so far this campaign.

Lisandro Martinez continues his absence and is doubtful to return before the end of October whilst he recovers from the knee injury he sustained last season.