Both players were substituted after picking up knocks in the 3-0 win over Marseille in midweek and whilst it is good news regarding Gundogan, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Garcia will be missing for several weeks.
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“Eric is not fit,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“He will be out for two or three weeks. Ilkay trained good.”
Guardiola also reiterated that Sergio Aguero, who scored on his return from injury against Marseille, is not ready to start against Manchester United.
The City boss said that would be the case in the aftermath of the Champions League game and revealed that remains the case on the eve of the big game.
With the vast majority of his squad available to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, Guardiola has plenty of selection decisions to make.
It is a stark contrast to the early part of the season, when City were plagued by injuries and the boss says the competition for places means his players must be able to prove they are ready to perform.
“Except two players, the others are fit,” he added.
“With this ridiculous rule everyone cannot be on the bench so that’s why the players have to be ready every week because there are guys waiting to be in the team.”
Saturday’s game will be the first Manchester derby played without fans.
Despite their absence, Guardiola feels City’s supporters will remain part of the occasion as he praised their loyalty, though he admits it will be less of an occasion without them.
“Of course they are,” the manager responded when asked if fans will still feel involved.
“Our fans always were, United as well. Especially in England, the supporters are so loyal.
“It’s much better being at Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium with the fans. Step by step we will open stadiums in England, here in Manchester not yet.
“But when the officials say we can make the next step, we will do it and when it settles all round the world the fans will be back.”
We will have full coverage of the Manchester Derby right here on ManCity.com.
Our Matchday Centre will get under way at 3.30pm, with text updates throughout the day meaning you won’t miss a beat.
Our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show starts at 4.30pm, with Shaun Goater and Gareth Barry and Michael Brown joining us in the studio.
And CITY+ subscribers can enjoy a full 90-minute replay from midnight. Enjoy your first month of CITY+ free of charge. After that, CITY+ costs £1.99 a month.
