Manchester City vs Arsenal team news including Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker and John Stones updates
Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in a potential Premier League title decider at the Etihad – but both teams come in the clash with injury concerns following the international break.
It was a potentially devastating window for the champions City, who saw Kyle Walker limp off with a hamstring issue in England’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil, before John Stones was forced off early on in the 2-2 draw with Belgium due to an abductor problem.
The concerns for Arsenal came earlier, with Bukayo Saka pulling out of England’s camp and both Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli forced to withdraw from Brazil’s squad.
Arsenal will need to be at full strength if they are to end a nine-year winless run at Manchester City, who they lead by two points in the Premier League title race as Mikel Arteta’s side hunt a first league championship in 20 years.
Both Pep Guardiola and Arteta will give injury updates at this afternoon’s pre-match press conferences, but here’s the latest news ahead of this weekend’s title clash.
Manchester City
John Stones
The defender was forced off early on in the 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday night, having played the entire match against Brazil on Saturday. Gareth Southgate confirmed Stones had a “problem” with his abductor as he defended starting the centre-back in consecutive games.
Early assessment: Doubtful
Kyle Walker
The right back pulled up with a hamstring problem in the early stages of England’s defeat to Brazil, having been forced into a couple of sprints against the winger Vinicius Jr. Walker was set to undergo a scan after returning to City, and was described as 50-50 ahead of the weekend.
Early assessment: Doubtful
Ederson
The goalkeeper missed Brazil’s camp having picked up an injury in City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool before the international break. It was reported following City’s 2-0 win over Newcastle in the FA Cup, in which Stefan Ortega filled in, that Ederson was likely to miss the Arsenal game – but he was pictured in training on Thursday.
Early assessment: Doubtful
Kevin De Bruyne
The attacking midfielder was devastating in both games against Arsenal last season but missed Belgium’s camp due to a muscle injury. De Bruyne has returned to training this week and City are confident he will be fit for the Arsenal clash on Sunday.
Early assessment: Fit
Jack Grealish
The winger was ruled out of England’s camp after picking up another muscle injury during City’s FA Cup win at Luton in February. Sunday may come too soon for Grealish to start, but he was also part of the contingent who returned to training this week – along with Manuel Akanki and Matheus Nunes.
Early assessment: Fit
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Saka was named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but pulled out with a hamstring injury and was sent back to Arsenal.
Early assessment: Doubtful
Gabriel Martinelli
The winger missed Arsenal’s wins over Brentford and Porto in the CHampions League with a foot injury, originally picked up in the thrashing of Sheffield United at the start of the month. He missed out on Brazil’s squad due to the problem.
Early assessment: Doubtful
Gabriel Magalhaes
The centre-back was named in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against England and Spain but withdrew from the camp due to an Achilles problem. It was reported as precautionary, however, with Gabriel set to be fit after taking the opportunity to rest.
Early assessment: Fit
