Both Manchester City and Arsenal have been sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of their huge title showdown – and some big-hitters haven’t quite made it back
Injuries have impacted both Manchester City and Arsenal‘s team selections at the Etihad ahead of their pivotal title showdown.
The two sides are separated by just a solitary point at the Premier League summit and Sunday’s match will have major title ramifications – but both sides are heading into the clash without key personnel.
Kevin De Bruyne withdrew from international duty with a groin injury. No timeframe was given for his return when the issue was announced prior to the win over Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals earlier this month but he is back in the team for the Arsenal match.
Elsewhere, the champions lost both John Stones and Kyle Walker during the international break with the former pulling up early in England’s draw with Belgium. Walker, who picked up an injury in the defeat to Brazil, is expected to be on the sidelines for a longer period than Stones, who is on the bench for Sunday’s match.
Jack Grealish and Ederson have both been out for a longer period. It was estimated that the Brazilian goalkeeper could return for the crunch clash against Arsenal but Stefan Ortega continues to deputise in goal.
Guardiola admitted before the match to Sky Sports that Ederson was never in contention to feature, explaining: “For this game, he was not even close. We have Stefan [Ortega] and we rely on him incredibly. It could be better if other guys were here, if John Stones was completely fit, but no worries.”
Bukayo Saka was a doubt heading into the match after pulling out of the England squad. He has made the cut, though, and starts alongside Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a three-pronged attack.
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Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhes were also concerns ahead of the break. The latter is fit enough to start alongside William Saliba in the heart of defence while Martinelli is on the bench for the match.
Arteta explained that all three were “desperate” to play in the game, saying: “They all tried, they all wanted to be in this game. They put a lot of effort in with the staff to make it happen.”
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