Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared some injury news ahead of today's blockbuster derby clash against Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Derby day...

One of the most important days of the footballing calendar has arrived for City supporters as the Premier League champions take on cross-town rivals United at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. The battle for supremacy over Manchester begins at 2pm in what should be an absolutely mouth-watering clash.

Both sides come into this game on a solid run of form, but it's the Sky Blues who boast the best numbers statistically, having scored the most goals whilst conceding the fewest out of every team in the top flight.

Spearheaded by on-fire marquee summer signing Erling Haaland, Guardiola's side have been thrilling at times as they seek to retain their domestic crown for a third successive year.

However, Erik ten Hag is aiming to upset City, and on derby day, form is arguably more irrelevant than ever.

The Latest: Stones ruled out...

Speaking to the media ahead of this huge clash, Guardiola has confirmed that City will be without England international John Stones after he was taken off with a hamstring injury against Germany in midweek.

City's head coach gave an estimated timeframe for the 28-year-old's return but officially ruled the defender out of contention to feature against the Red Devils today.

Guardiola said: “It will not be four, five or six weeks, it will be less. I don’t know when he will come back, but I think maybe 10 days to two weeks.”

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The Verdict: Setback...

For Stones himself, this latest injury problem comes as an annoyance, considering that he was just starting to recapture his best form.

The 28-year-old has contributed immensely in recent weeks, even scoring a thunderous long-range effort against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

As per WhoScored, the elite ball-distributor has also averaged a higher pass accuracy domestically (96.8%) than any other player in City's squad.

Called an 'unbelievable player' by team-mate and compatriot Kyle Walker, not being able to call upon the centre-half comes as a setback for the champions ahead of a massive occasion.