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In what will be a blow to Manchester City, star midfielder David Silva has been ruled out of the Manchester Derby this weekend.
Manchester United make the short trip to the Etihad on Sunday to play the defending Premier League champions in a game that has seen the blue half dominate proceedings in the past few games.
The Spanish playmaker had a scan on his knee and it revealed ligament damage which could see him sidelined for three weeks.
The injury layoff also means that he will miss the crucial Champions League tie against CKSA Moscow. City must win this game to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive with only two points from three games so far.
Silva was injured in the fourth minute when he was fouled by Ryan Taylor in the Capital One Cup defeat at home to Newcastle United. He will be a big miss for the Sky Blues after he has started almost every game this season.
Pellegrini defends decision to play Silva in Capital One Cup
City coach Manuel Pellegrini was criticized for playing David Silva in the mid-week match but he defended his decision, saying that Samir Nasri was ready to replace him during the game. The French midfielder had only just returned from a groin injury he suffered in September.
“There was no reason David cannot play. We play on Saturday, we have four days to recover, David was prepared to play.
“Maybe he was not going to play the whole game. The idea was to change him for Samir Nasri.”
Yaya Toure also doubtful for derby
The Ivory Coast international is also a doubt for the big game on Sunday after he struggled with a groin injury during the Newcastle game.
The midfielder was fouled by Mehdi Abeid and he had to be substituted soon after as he struggled to continue.
Pellegrini had said: “Yaya has a problem with his groin.”
Frank Lampard is also already ruled out of the derby, leaving Pellegrini with few options in midfield.
More to follow.
