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Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in a potential Premier League title decider at the Etihad – but both teams come in the clash with injury concerns following the international break.
It was a devastating window for the champions City, who saw Kyle Walker limp off with a hamstring issue in England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil, before John Stones was forced off early on in the 2-2 draw with Belgium due to an abductor problem.
The concerns for Arsenal came earlier, with Bukayo Saka pulling out of England’s camp and both Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli forced to withdraw from Brazil’s squad.
Arsenal will need to be at full strength if they are to end a nine-year winless run at Manchester City, who they lead by two points in the Premier League title race as Mikel Arteta’s side hunt a first league championship in 20 years.
Manchester City
John Stones
The defender was forced off early on in the 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday night, having played the entire match against Brazil on Saturday. Gareth Southgate confirmed Stones had a “problem” with his abductor as he defended starting the centre-back in consecutive games. He will play no part against Arsenal and Pep Guardiola did not put a timescale on his return.
Verdict: Out
Kyle Walker
City will be without their first-choice right back when they host Arsenal. Walker pulled up with a hamstring problem in the early stages of England’s defeat to Brazil, having been forced into a couple of sprints against the winger Vinicius Jr. Pep Guardiola said Walker’s injury was more significant than Stones’s. He said: “Kyle’s more tough than John’s but they will be out- I don’t know for how many games.
Verdict: Out
Ederson
The goalkeeper missed Brazil’s camp having picked up an injury in City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool before the international break, but is doing “much, much better” and is set to face Arsenal.
Verdict: Fit
Kevin De Bruyne
The attacking midfielder was devastating in both games against Arsenal last season but missed Belgium’s camp due to a muscle injury. De Bruyne has returned to training this week and City are confident he will be fit for the Arsenal clash on Sunday.
Verdict: Fit
Jack Grealish
The winger was ruled out of England’s camp after picking up another muscle injury during City’s FA Cup win at Luton in February. Sunday may come too soon for Grealish to start, but he was also part of the contingent who returned to training this week – along with Manuel Akanki and Matheus Nunes.
Early assessment: Fit
Bukayo Saka
Saka was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but pulled out with a hamstring injury and was sent back to Arsenal. He has not trained ahead of the weekend but, like with Martinelli and Gabriel, Arteta says there is a “chance” he will be available.
Verdict: Doubtful
Gabriel Martinelli
The winger missed Arsenal’s wins over Brentford and Porto in the CHampions League with a foot injury, originally picked up in the thrashing of Sheffield United at the start of the month. He missed out on Brazil’s squad due to the problem and is yet to return to training but may do so on Saturday.
Verdict: Doubtful
Gabriel Magalhaes
The centre-back was named in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against England and Spain but withdrew from the camp due to an Achilles problem. Like with Saka and Martinelli, he has not trained but could do so ahead of the trip to City.
Verdict: Doubtful
Source: independent.co.uk
