Pep Guardiola has revealed that David Silva is a doubt for Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s derby against United.

The Spanish playmaker has thrived after being reinvented as a central midfielder over the summer and has helped the Citizens establish an eight point lead at the top of the Premier League.

It means they head to Old Trafford knowing a win will significantly strengthen their hold in the title race and they received a massive boost earlier this week when the Red Devils confirmed they would not appeal Paul Pogba’s suspension.

However, they have been hit by their own bit of bad news after Guardiola revealed on Tuesday that Silva complained of discomfort after netting the decisive goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

After undergoing tests, it was decided he would sit out Wednesday’s Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk, with his side already through to the last 16, and is also a doubt for Sunday.

City are 2.20 to win on Sunday, with the draw 3.40 and United 3.25 but it will be a huge blow to the visitors if the World Cup winner is unable to feature.

Guardiola says they are taking their time with the former Valencia man but admits it is still unclear if he will be ready to play at Old Trafford.

“David had a little bit of problems in the last minutes,” Guardiola said during Tuesday’s pre-match news conference.

“We made a test after the game and I don’t know if he is able to play on Sunday, so that’s why he stayed there, to recover in Manchester.”