Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pep Guardiola declares David Silva fit for derby with Manchester United but City sweat over defensive pair

All three missed the Champions League defeat in midweek

Jack Austin
Friday 08 December 2017 15:35 GMT
Comments
Silva was a doubt after he missed the midweek Champions League defeat
Silva was a doubt after he missed the midweek Champions League defeat

David Silva will be fit to face Manchester United from the start during Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford, City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The Spaniard was a doubt for the match after missing the defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, with Guardiola confirming his playmaker was a concern ahead of the top-of-the-table clash.

Jose Mourinho refused to believe the injury though after Arsene Wenger ruled out Alexandre Lacazette against United the week before, only for him to play – and score.

And Guardiola confirmed that Silva declared himself fit for the derby after he and Kevin De Bruyne reported for training on Friday while the rest of the squad who travelled to Ukraine were given the day off.

“He's going to play,” Guardiola said. “After the game he had a bit of doubt that's why I said it, but today he arrived and said he's really good so he's going to play.”

However, City do have concerns over two of their defenders, with Guardiola admitting he is awaiting late fitness tests of captain Vincent Kompany and make-shift left-back Fabian Delph.

The duo, like Silva, missed the 2-1 Champions League defeat this week after Kompany experienced some discomfort while Delph was ill.

“Vincent, before the game against Shakhtar, felt something,” he added. “He was not comfortable and couldn't play.

“Delph was sick, vomit and fever the day before.

“The only guys who didn't play because they needed a rest were Kyle Walker and Nico Otamendi. Today they are off so I don't know - but tomorrow we will check how the conditions are.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in