Manchester City were boosted by the return of Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake against Luton but John Stones wasn't passed fit for the game.
28.03.2024 - 06:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola is facing the biggest game of Manchester City's season without three of his most valuable defenders available.
Players return to the City Football Academy today to begin preparations for the Premier League title showdown with Arsenal, who lead the way a point above the Blues. However, Guardiola has seen his players pick up a number of concerning injuries over the international break, including captain Kyle Walker and influential centre-back John Stones.
Versatile defender Manu Akanji missed Switzerland's friendly at Ireland with a knock, with all three players doubtful to face Arsenal until they can be assessed by City's medical staff. All three started the draw at Anfield before the break, but Guardiola may have to turn to a completely untested back line to beat Arsenal if the trio are not able to play.
ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate's spiky response to John Stones injury as seven Man City players doubts vs Arsenal
ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola's nightmare international break leaves Man City preparations vs Arsenal in tatters
Assuming Walker and Stones are not risked, and should Akanji not be available, Ruben Dias would be the most senior defender to be recalled after sitting on the bench at Liverpool. His likely partner would be one of Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol - with Ake used more at left-back but perhaps better in the centre oweing to his experience.
That would leave Gvardiol on the left, as he played at the Emirates in the return fixture, but the Croat has been caught out at times as he adapts to his new position. He is good on the ball, but is still learning the left-back role as Ake did, and because of that he hasn't quite been as solid on the few occasions he's played in the centre. But needs must if
Manchester City were boosted by the return of Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake against Luton but John Stones wasn't passed fit for the game.
Manchester City and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
Manchester City chose not to risk Josko Gvardiol after the defender picked up a minor injury in the Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Ederson could return to the Manchester City squad against Crystal Palace but two stars remain sidelined.
Pep Guardiola chose to rest both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as his Manchester City strode to a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola says his decision to drop Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland from his line-up against Aston Villa is down to rest purposes only, amid the hectic upcoming schedule Manchester City face.
England striker Ollie Watkins will be unavailable for Aston Villa when they go toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday night (8.15pm). The 28-year-old picked up an injury in the 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday afternoon and had to be replaced at half-time.
The Premier League has entered its final two months, with nine games left for each of the top three teams - Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. The title race is tight, with just three points separating first from third place. Squeaky bum time indeed.
Manchester City were forced into an early change in their crucial title fight against Arsenal on Sunday with Nathan Ake being replaced by Rico Lewis after just 25 minutes.
John Stones is a surprise inclusion in the Manchester City squad to face Arsenal, having initially been ruled out of the game by Pep Guardiola on Friday, but the Blues are without goalkeeper Ederson.
Manchester City host Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday as they continue their charge for a historic 'double-treble'.
Micah Richards believes that if Manchester City are defeated by Arsenal on Sunday, they could concede the Premier League title despite backing his old team to win.
Manchester City face a vital fixture at home to Arsenal on Sunday in their hopes of earning a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Gareth Southgate defended his decision to play John Stones for England on Tuesday - saying other key players for Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal were used in the same way.
Manchester City's preparations to face Arsenal this weekend have suffered another setback with news of a fifth player withdrawing from international duty.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said Manchester City centre-back John Stones had forgotten all about the upcoming clash between the two clubs after they linked-up on international duty last week.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe might face disappointment in the transfer market with rivals Manchester City tipped to beat them to their top summer target. Sir Jim has already discussed his key targets with senior figures at Old Trafford, ahead of an expected summer transfer splurge.
England boss Gareth Southgate says the severity of Kyle Walker's injury is currently unknown after the Manchester City defender was forced off in Saturday night's loss to Brazil.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has shared John Stones’ nickname within the England camp.
Rodri says Manchester City are about to hit their best form - if they are sensible about the international break.