Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that key defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones will miss Sunday’s title showdown with Arsenal.
Walker suffered a hamstring injury in the early stages of England’s friendly with Brazil last weekend, while Stones completed that game but then picked up an adductor problem 10 minutes into the draw with Belgium.
Goalkeeper Ederson could return to the side for the first time since suffering a thigh injury when conceding a penalty against Liverpool and Manuel Akanji has recovered from a knock on international duty with Switzerland, while Guardiola will make a late decision on the fitness of Kevin de Bruyne.
“Ederson is much better but Kyle and John are out,” Guardiola said. “It is what it is.
“For Kyle it will be more tougher than John (in terms of recovery), but I don’t know for how many games he will be out.”
Asked if he was surprised that Stones had started both England friendlies, Guardiola would only say: “I don’t have any comments on that.”
Sunday’s game is the last of the season between any of the top three, with Arsenal top of the table on goal difference from Liverpool and reigning champions City a point behind.
John Stones
Guardiola’s side remain in contention for a repeat of last season’s treble, with Real Madrid their opponents in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea also to look forward to.
“It’s good to be here and in contention for three titles after what happened last season,” Guardiola added. “We made incredible work.
“Right now every game is so important. If we are able to do it (against Arsenal), the next game will be important as well.
“We played really good the last month but the international break, the first game after you think what will happen? Yesterday we trained good and we have two more training sessions and will be ready for it again.”
Pep Guardiola
City won all three games against Arsenal last season, including a 4-1 victory at the Etihad, but the Gunners have turned the tables this campaign with victory on penalties in the Community Shield and a 1-0 win at the Emirates in October.
Asked what the difference is between Mikel Arteta’s side then and now, Guardiola said: “Same manager, same players.
“They control many aspects of the game and every time they are better and better.
“When you have consistency in terms of ideas and the same manager, you always improve. If you change manager and players, it is more difficult.”
Baller⚽️1
0
has Gvardol return from injury??
Yes
Mayor_Consult
0
We still got it
[image]
has Gvardol return from injury??
Mayor_Consult
0
has Gvardol return from injury?
PeepsClips
1
just saving the duo for the big matchday. city vs madrid loading...
Mercy2821
0
The reason for the being absent is out....
[image]
Haters
malablata
0
The reason for the being absent is out....
spacefc
1
Celebrate not because there is no way you can beat City at Etihad even though if City present their team B. With Bob, Lewis, Ortega, Doku,and the rest, City will beat your team at Etihad like Liverpool will always do at Anfied with their team B.
keep dreaming its free
lisademopz
1
Where are those people who were saying fake injuries. Nonsense
wokcdilmpu
0
Celebrate not because there is no way you can beat City at Etihad even though if City present their team B. With Bob, Lewis, Ortega, Doku,and the rest, City will beat your team at Etihad like Liverpool will always do at Anfied with their team B.
That's a lie
lawalidris
1
Celebrate not because there is no way you can beat City at Etihad even though if City present their team B. With Bob, Lewis, Ortega, Doku,and the rest, City will beat your team at Etihad like Liverpool will always do at Anfied with their team B.
zioceimpr
0
back your team no team giving away points along way to may the best man win
Koyinpsuyz
0
Arsenal can never win in the Itihad how many points were they leading City last Season?? City have equally 3 good players in each position they will beat Arsenal easily wait for the results on Sauday after i will return here
ohhh please, who else can replace kbd and rodri if injured or suspended
onegunnaz
0
Arsenal can never win in the Itihad how many points were they leading City last Season?? City have equally 3 good players in each position they will beat Arsenal easily wait for the results on Sauday after i will return here
ohh shut up ur nasty mouth as if you are god.. shut the hell up man
Meudeilnyz
2
Arsenal can never win in the Itihad how many points were they leading City last Season?? City have equally 3 good players in each position they will beat Arsenal easily wait for the results on Sauday after i will return here
who are the other good replacements for Rodrigo and Kelvin de Brune right now please. and why do City always struggle in the absence of these two?
pidalmrsu
1
Arsenal can never win in the Itihad how many points were they leading City last Season?? City have equally 3 good players in each position they will beat Arsenal easily wait for the results on Sauday after i will return here
as if you are God
Baller⚽️1
3
We still got it
Tadbdikoz
0
Honestly, Lpool don't fear any team except the integrity of the referees & Var team. That could be one big reason why Klopp had enough of EPL
You said all Bro. Officiating in EPL has always favouring Oil City
pozacde
2
Arsenal can never win in the Itihad how many points were they leading City last Season?? City have equally 3 good players in each position they will beat Arsenal easily wait for the results on Sauday after i will return here
Rubabcdlmt
1
Honestly, Lpool don't fear any team except the integrity of the referees & Var team. That could be one big reason why Klopp had enough of EPL
Yobablrsz
0
them just fake injury
bamadiloty
3
Good news for Arsenal and Liverpool
caoacdeioz
4
easy win for arsenal
momenhuda
0
arsenal and Liverpool fans is a great news that will boost your confidence
City have perfect backup for them.
Vazcdekp
3
John stone is no body
momenhuda
0
arsenal and Liverpool fans is a great news that will boost your confidence
City have perfect backup for them.
Rocket152
6
arsenal and Liverpool fans is a great news that will boost your confidence