Pep Guardiola confirms two key Manchester City absences vs. Nottingham Forest

Manchester City are in another tough Premier League title race with Pep Guardiola’s protege Mikel Arteta and his strongest Arsenal side yet, though, technically speaking, that is familiar territory for the Citizens who have overcome a deficit to the Gunners before.

Injuries have been holding back Man City more than usual over the past couple of seasons, and entering this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, City have a couple of more key ones to worry about.

In the press conference coming into the game, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that while superstar defensive midfielder Rodri will be a game time decision, “John Stones and Jeremy Doku remain out”.

John Stones has been out again with another nagging injury to his thigh, and the versatile defender and midfielder has only been able to start in four Premier League games with three additional substitute appearances this season.

The rock solid England international remains without a time table for a return. He has not played since Dec. 3 against Fulham and has not started a game since Aston Villa on Oct. 26.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku is a bigger loss. He has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League again this season, and while Man City do have winger depth and are actively working on signing Antoine Semenyo, nobody can put defenders on skates quite like Doku.

The uber talented Belgian international suffered a muscular injury on Dec. 11 against Real Madrid and also remains without an exact time table for a return from the boss Guardiola.

Doku has been sensational again this season and is arguably Man City’s second best player after Erling Haaland alongside Phil Foden. The 23 year old’s dynamism will be missed against the Sean Dyche led Forest defense.