Manchester City will return to action this weekend with a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal. The champions will welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to the Etihad this Sunday in a game that could have massive implications in this season’s title race. Heading into the game, Pep Guardiola’s side has several players under injury clouds. Here is a look at how the Manchester City squad is shaping up ahead of Sunday’s huge match.
Kyle Walker
The City captain was substituted early in England’s 1-nil defeat to Brazil last weekend. Walker has since returned to the club to have his hamstring injury assessed ahead of this weekend’s match with Arsenal.
SkySports has reported that the injury suffered by Kyle Walker isn’t thought to be too serious, and he could feature against Arsenal. It is welcome news for the world champions given the role their captain has to play in the remainder of this season.
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City’s inspirational midfielder withdrew from international duty with Belgium due to a groin issue prior to the international break. De Bruyne also missed City’s 2-nil FA Cup quarter-final win over Newcastle due to the injury.
In positive news, Kevin De Bruyne was pictured in training in images shared on social media yesterday. It appears that the midfielder may be available for this weekend’s crucial match. A further update on his status for the game is expected when Pep Guardiola faces the media on Friday.
Jack Grealish
The England international returned to the Manchester City squad for their 2-nil win over Newcastle before the international break. It was a welcome sight for the treble winners given the importance of Grealish to Manchester City’s system.
Pep Guardiola told the media that City had a plan in place to have Grealish ready for Sunday’s match against Arsenal. It would appear that it is almost certain that Jack Grealish will have a role to play against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Ederson
Ederson suffered a thigh injury during Manchester City’s 1-all draw with Liverpool at Anfield. SkySports reported that the Brazilian was facing a month on the sidelines due to the injury he sustained at Anfield.
Sunday’s game may be too soon for City’s number one keeper. With Stefan Ortega eager to impress, Manchester City may take a cautious approach with Ederson’s return from injury.
Matheus Nunes
Portuguese news outlet B24 reported that Matheus Nunes recently missed training with his national team due to a foot complaint. They further report that Nunes will miss Portugal’s friendly against Slovenia due to the injury.
It is expected that the injury will be assessed when Nunes returns to Manchester City following the international break. At this stage, it appears unknown how severe the footy issue sustained by the energetic midfielder is or if he will be available for City’s crucial clash with Arsenal.
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