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Manchester City host Arsenal in a potentially Premier League title decider at the Etihad on Sunday – but both teams have been hit by injuries since the international break.
It was a difficult window for champions City as Kyle Walker limped off with a muscle strain as England lost 1-0 to Brazil, while John Stones was forced off early in the 2-2 draw with Belgium due to a tackle problem. .
Arsenal’s concerns were raised earlier with Bucayo Saka’s withdrawal from the England camp and both Gabriel Magalhes and Gabriel Martinelli forced out of the Brazil squad.
Arsenal, who lead the Premier League title race by two points, will need to be at full strength if they want to end Manchester City’s nine-year winless streak.
Pep Guardiola and Arteta will give injury updates in their pre-match press conferences this afternoon, but here’s the latest news ahead of this weekend’s title clash.
Manchester City
John Stones
The defender played the entire match against Brazil on Saturday, while he played in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday night. Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Stones have a problem with the interception as he defends starting at centre-back in successive games. He will play no role against Arsenal and Pep Guardiola has not put a time limit on his return.
The verdict: Out
(FA via Getty Images)
Kyle Walker
The right-back will not be their first choice when City host Arsenal. Walker was forced to run in twice against Pep Guardiola from winger Vinicius Junior after picking up a muscle problem in England’s first-leg loss to Brazil. He said: “Kyle is tougher than John but they will be out – I don’t know how many games they will play.
The verdict: Out
(Action Images via Reuters)
Ederson
The goalkeeper missed the Brazil camp after picking up an injury in City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool before the international break, but is doing “much better” and is set to face Arsenal.
Judgment: Competency
Kevin De Bruyne
The attacking midfielder was at the top of his game against Arsenal last season but missed the Belgium camp with a hamstring injury. De Bruyne returned to training this week and City are confident he will be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.
Judgment: Competency
Jack Grealish
The winger has been ruled out of the England camp after picking up another hamstring injury in City’s FA Cup win at Luton in February. It may be too soon for Grealish to start on Sunday, but he was also part of the squad that returned to training this week – along with Manuel Akanky and Mathias Nunes.
Early assessment: Competency
(PA Wire)
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Saka was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, but has been sidelined with an injury and returned to Arsenal. He did not train before the weekend but, like Martinelli and Gabriel, Arteta said there was a chance he would be available.
Verdict: Doubtful.
(PA Wire)
Gabriel Martinelli
The winger missed Arsenal’s Champions League games against Brentford and Porto with a foot injury, first in the win over Sheffield United earlier this month. He missed Brazil’s squad due to a problem and did not return to training, but could do so on Saturday.
Verdict: Doubtful.
Gabriel Magalhaes
The centre-back was named in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against England and Spain but has been ruled out of the camp due to an Achilles problem. Like Saka and Martinelli, he has not trained but could do so ahead of the trip to City.
Verdict: Doubtful.