Manchester City have been dealt a significant setback after forward Omar Marmoush suffered a knee injury while representing Egypt in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso.
The incident occurred in the opening stages of the match, when Marmoush went down clutching his knee after an early challenge. The 25-year-old, who has been in fine form since joining City in the summer, was visibly in pain and had to be substituted within minutes.
Initial Diagnosis
Egypt’s national team doctor, Mohamed Abu El-Ela, confirmed after the game that Marmoush had sustained a bruised knee ligament. The forward is set to undergo an X-ray in Cairo, with Manchester City’s medical staff expected to carry out further assessments once he returns to England.
“The initial diagnosis is a bruised knee ligament, but further scans are required to determine the extent of the damage,” Abu El-Ela told reporters after the game.
Club Statement
Manchester City later issued a statement confirming that Marmoush will miss the upcoming Manchester Derby against United. The club added that he will begin rehabilitation once the full extent of the injury has been assessed.
The Egyptian international’s setback is untimely for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are preparing for a crucial run of fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Marmoush’s pace, directness, and ability to stretch defences have quickly made him a valuable asset in City’s attack.
Impact on Egypt and City
For Egypt, the injury is also a major concern, as Marmoush has been a key figure in their World Cup qualifying campaign. His absence could leave coach Rui Vitória with a significant void in the frontline.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are already managing a demanding schedule, and the loss of Marmoush adds to Guardiola’s selection headaches ahead of a decisive period in the season. The timing of his recovery will be crucial to both club and country.
What’s Next
Marmoush will undergo further medical tests upon his return to Manchester. Until then, neither Egypt nor City will know the exact recovery timeline. However, both sides will be hopeful the injury is not long-term, given the importance of the forward in their respective campaigns.
