Jan Hoeksema
Latest update:
Pep Guardiola is experiencing a number of personnel problems in the run-up to the crucial Premier League match against Arsenal: no fewer than four Manchester City players return injured from the international break, three of whom are defenders.
The first victim became known early in the international match. Kyle Walker had to be substituted after just twenty minutes in his England match against Brazil (0-1) due to a hamstring injury. According to Sky Sports he is a doubt for the cracker against Arsenal, which is scheduled for next Sunday.
Manuel Akanji was the next to be hit. The Swiss centre-back has retired from his national team after suffering an injury during training. There is a question mark behind Akanji's name for next weekend.
John Stones is the third defender to fall injured during the international break. In the match between Belgium and England (2-2), the man had to leave the field after ten minutes. Scans must show whether he can play against the Gunnersbut that doesn't seem to be the case.
Due to the injuries to the trio, Guardiola only has five defenders left on paper: Nathan Aké, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis and Sergio Gómez.
If the possible absence of Walker, Akanji and Stones wasn't enough, Manchester City will most likely also miss a midfielder against Arsenal. Matheus Nunes has suffered a foot injury with the Portuguese selection.
The injuries come at an unpleasant time for Guardiola. The Citizens are involved in an exciting Premier League title battle with both Liverpool and Arsenal, making a good result against Mikel Arteta's formation crucial. Manchester City is currently third with 63 points, while their competitors both have one point more.
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