Nasri, de Jong in doubt for Manchester derby

Samir Nasri and Nigel de Jong have emerged as doubts for Manchester City’s derby with bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Both players were substituted carrying injuries in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Villarreal in the Champions League, and face a race against time to be fit enough to start in their grandstand Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Nasri left the Etihad Stadium limping heavily with a leg injury having been replaced by James Milner nine minutes from time, while de Jong damaged a muscle in his hip and was substituted for match-winner Sergio Aguero in the 62nd minute.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