Pep Guardiola delivers Manchester Derby fitness update | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City have no injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s Manchester Derby.

Nathan Ake is available for selection again which means Guardiola has a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season.

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A muscular problem has kept Ake out for two months, with his last appearance coming in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle United, but the Dutch defender has responded well after returning to full training earlier this week.

“It’s good news for us,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.

“Nathan is back. He made the training sessions and felt really good.

“Everyone is fit. It is important for us and hopefully at the international break everyone comes back really well.”

Whilst City will have a full complement of players, the same cannot be said of Manchester United, who could be without up to six senior squad members.

Juan Mata and Phil Jones are both unavailable, whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed David De Gea will miss the game following the birth of his first child.

Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are all doubts after missing the midweek draw with Crystal Palace.

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With 11 games left to play, victory would see City open up a 17-point lead over United at the top of the Premier League table.

Guardiola’s side are the in form team in the country having won 21 consecutive games, whilst United boast a particularly impressive away record and have won three of the past six derby meetings.

The City boss acknowledges the importance of the fixture, but says his side must treat it as another game in our bid to be crowned champions.

“It’s important this game,” he added.

“It is, like the previous one, the previous one and the next one. One game at a time.

“I know how difficult United are. I have the feeling they are a better team every season. They haven't lost away for more than one year.

“They always get good results here at Etihad Stadium - but we know the opportunity we have to extend our advantage.

“The Premier League is 38 games, this is one of them. Obviously they are now real contenders, second in the table.

“Everyone knows how important it is. We will try and win the game.”

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