---
title: "Manchester City: Pep Guardiola confirms late injury for Eric Garcia as he misses Manchester United clash"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-pep-guardiola-confirms-late-injury-for-eric-garcia-as-he-misses-manchester-united-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Manchester City Football Club"
published: "2020-12-12T14:15:18Z"
modified: "2020-12-12T14:15:18Z"
---

# Manchester City: Pep Guardiola confirms late injury for Eric Garcia as he misses Manchester United clash

**Speaking to [the press](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/manchester-united-manchester-city-derby-injury-news-63743281), Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his ‘[beloved](https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcsport/status/1278957816825417728?lang=en)‘ defensive ace Eric Garcia will miss their clash with cross-town rivals Manchester United through a late injury problem – with the Spaniard now out of action for two-three weeks and ‘not fit’.**

Garcia, who has been at the centre of reports heavily linking him with a [move away](https://www.si.com/soccer/manchestercity/transfer-rumours/barcelona-have-a-total-agreement-with-man-city-defender-over-a-five-year-contract) from the Etihad Stadium, will not feature in today’s blockbuster Manchester derby clash as Guardiola confirms his absence.

\[freshpress-poll id=”337938″\]

### Garcia absent for Manchester derby

The teenage star’s stance on a Barcelona return has been made[known in recent months](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8877081/Eric-Garcia-reject-attempts-Man-City-convince-stay-amid-Barcelona-interest.html), attracting [criticism from Sky Blues](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eric-garcia-barcelona-man-city-18727468) as Guardiola continues to utilise him in matchday squads when he is available.

However, due to a late injury, the 19-year-old will not play against Man United – with the City boss missing a defender he described as ‘[beloved](https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcsport/status/1278957816825417728?lang=en)‘ to the team.

Even though Guardiola is a huge admirer of Garcia, Citizens won’t be too concerned with his unavailability given the presence of a rejuvenated John Stones and colossal summer signing Ruben Dias.

City also have Nathan Ake back after his return from a hamstring injury, while star man Aymeric Laporte is also ready for selection.

### Transfer Tavern take

As Sky Blues gear up for the first Derby of 2020/2021 and a trip to Old Trafford, Guardiola will be hoping they can build upon their solid run of form whilst taking back the Manchester bragging rights.

City are on a near-perfect streak since their 2-0 loss to Spurs three weeks ago, winning four out of their last five matches in all competitions and not conceding a single goal in that time.

As United looms, they couldn’t have asked for a better warm up – especially after finishing top of their Champions League group mid-week, but as every Blue knows, form has the tendency to go out the window on Derby Day.

***In other news: Man City fans want this ‘perfect’ ace to return, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-news/man-city-fans-plead-for-douglas-luiz-return-as-he-opens-up-about-aston-villa-move/)***