Manchester United's Mkhitaryan, Shaw and Valencia doubtful for Manchester City clash

Manchester United new star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has admitted that he is doubtful for the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on 10 September. Club football will return after the international break later this weekend.

The 27-year-old was on international duty with Armenia and picked up an injury during his national side's 3-0 friendly defeat to the Czech Republic on 31 August. He collided with opposition defender Marek Suchy and was replaced in the first half.

Mkhitaryan, who moved to the Premier League from Borussia Dortmund, is yet to start for Jose Mourinho's side. His injury was confirmed by the Armenian FA, which saw him miss his national side's World Cup qualifiers against Denmark. He is now doubtful for United's clash against Pep Guardiola's City on Saturday.

"Not sure yet if I'll bit [be] fit for the derby, but I'm motivated as ever to put all energy to be in great shape asap!!Hard work and professionalism have always been at the heart of what I love most - football!! Thanks for sending me your love and support!!" Mkhitaryan tweeted.

United and City have started the 2016/17 season on a brighter note, winning the first three matches. Both teams enter the derby with a 100% win record and the clash between the two sides will be one of the high-profile fixtures of the campaign.

According to the Mirror, Mourinho will also have concerns over his full-backs as the inclusion of Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia in the starting lineup for the City match could be doubtful. The former Southampton defender and the Ecuadorian international started all three matches for the Red Devils.

Shaw, who was included in the England squad, was withdrawn as a precaution after he suffered a calf problem during training. Valencia, on the other hand, will not arrive in Manchester until just 24 hours before the kick-off.

With Mkhitaryan and Shaw's injury setback and Valencia's return from international duty with Ecuador, Mourinho has a dilemma in selecting his back starting XI for the clash against City.

If Shaw fails to make himself available, Mourinho is likely to change his centre-back pairing and move Daley Blind to the left-back position, while slotting in Chris Smalling alongside Eric Bailly. Valencia's omission could see him use either Matteo Darmian or Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who have not featured this season.