Manchester City pair Samir Nasri & Nigel de Jong injury doubts for derby against Manchester United

Both players were substituted with injuries in Tuesday night's win over Villarreal and face a race against time to be fit for Sunday's top of the table clash.

Nasri left the Etihad Stadium limping heavily with a leg injury having been replaced by James Milner nine minutes from time, while De Jong has damaged a muscle in his hip and was substituted for match-winner Sergio Aguero in the 62nd minute.

Nasri and De Jong will be assessed by City's medical staff at the club's Carrington training ground on Thursday as they attempt to prove their fitness to manager Roberto Mancini.


The pair are the only doubts for the Premier League leaders as they travel across Manchester to take on Sir Alex Ferguson's second-placed side. Adam Johnson was also substituted in the 40th minute of the victory against Villarreal but the winger was not injured.

De Jong has made only two Premier League starts so far this season after suffering a foot injury in August but is a crucial part of Mancini's side. The defensive midfielder played a key role in City's victory against United in the FA Cup semi-final last season.

Nasri is hoping to play in his first Manchester derby following his £25 million move in the summer from Arsenal to Etihad Stadium.

(Goal.com)