DAVID SILVA IS a doubt for the Manchester derby, City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed.
Silva scored a late winner as City came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday, but suffered an injury in the act of finding the net.
He will not feature as City aim to finish the Champions League group stage with a 100% record by beating Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, but of greater concern is his participation in the derby.
City already hold a commanding eight-point lead over their neighbours in the Premier League title race, and victory at Old Trafford on Sunday could, even at this early stage, prove to be a decisive blow to United’s hopes.
But Guardiola will be without the services of Silva due to an unspecified “problem”.
Speaking at a pre-match media conference, Guardiola said: “Kevin De Bruyne is suspended and David Silva has a little problem. I don’t know whether he will recover for Sunday.
“[Silva] felt uncomfortable after his goal. He felt something. Hopefully he can play on Sunday.”
City have dropped points just once in the Premier League this season, but Guardiola is under no illusions of invincibility as they prepare to make the short trip to Old Trafford.
Guardiola added: “We just play to win the game. I assure you, sooner or later we will lose, but the next day we will recover. I can promise you we are going to try to win the game.”
The Shakhtar match will mark Guardiola’s 100th in the Champions League as a manager, having led Barcelona to glory twice in a celebrated spell with the Blaugrana.
“It’s a nice number; it’s a lot of games in a marvellous competition. Hopefully I can enjoy this for even longer,” Guardiola said of his milestone.
“We are playing well but it does not mean we will go on to win the competition. The most important thing is that last month we were okay. We believe in what we can do.”
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Was in aussie in the 90′s,this guy was a super star.He was great ambassador for Ireland and the gaa.R.I.P
…… a legend.
Whatever about the loss to sport…I just look at this pic and a see a little girl who will so miss her daddy…been there! RIP. Work in oncology (not a medic) and everybody who passes will be missed… Not matter how young or how old, they are all someone’s daughter/son, mum/dad, sister/brother, granny/grandad…we should never forget that!
So Sad to hear he has passed away from cancer. He will be sadly missed by people in his native Ireland and his adopted country Australia.
RIP Jim Stynes. Quiet often what a person achieved in life is uncovered after they have gone. Not in Jim Stynes case. The world will be a lesser place for him passing. A state funeral for a kid who arrived aged 17.
We don’t make men like him anymore. True legend.
Lovely piece, very fitting tribute
Colm ORourke spoke so well on the radio and summed it up very well. He said it was a privilege to meet him . I
Shame that the media in Ireland gave us more crap stories on the likes of fat Freddie instead of heroes like jim Stynes…
HE WAS A HERO AND WE ARE PROUD THAT HE IS IRISH
Fitting tribute to a Super guy,we could all learn something from Jim Stynes RIP. What a terrible loss for his wife and family.
Leaving this world he has truly left his footprints on the sands of time. He is an inspiation to us all.
R.I.P
jaysus he didn’t go down without a fight. a true Irish hero.
A state funeral,, says it all really. RIP
RIP Big Man, a true sportsman and a gentleman.
It’s such a shame that he was not revered in Ireland as the absolute hero he clearly was we can all learn from him and realise our dreams R.I.P big jim
I never met him but wish I did….every town needs a Jim, may he rest on peace.
Legend of the Dee’s
RIP
R.I.P Jim and condolences to your wife Children Family Friends and all whose lives you touched in some shape or form Sleep easy Jim
Jimmy Stynes made me proud to be irish and living in Melbourne. Seeing him speak in the media and watching him in his recent documentary, you felt drawn to him in admiration and inspired by his determination and belief in young people. The Irish ironman they called him, he’s left a legacy here in Australia. Safe traveling Jim. Our thoughts are with your brave young family.
Jim would be so proud to see that you have established a replica of his Reach foundation, that is what he did, inspire people.
Always surprised me that he wasn’t better known in Ireland , he was a legend here.
State funeral he deserves.
Legend. Fact. R.I.P.
truly a great man what a loss for his family ,he will be missed many tears shed for him