Man City will host Arsenal at Etihad’s home field this weekend in a match that has a huge impact on the Premier League championship race. The “Gunners” are currently leading, but they are only 7 goals ahead of second-placed team Liverpool. Meanwhile, defending champion Man City is third and only 1 point behind the two teams above.
Before this important match, coach Pep Guardiola and coach Mikel Arteta are both having a headache about the force situation. According to the Manchester Evening News, there are a total of 11 players at risk of missing the big match at Etihad Stadium this weekend.
On Man City’s side, Kyle Walker and John Stones were both injured in the recent “FIFA Days” series. Walker suffered a hamstring injury in the friendly match England lost 1-0 to Brazil on March 24. The 33-year-old defender limped off the field and went straight to the locker room. Sky Sports News revealed that Walker’s ability to play against Arsenal is assessed at 50-50.
Just 3 days later, it was Stones’ turn to hurt his groin and had to limp off the field in the 2-2 draw between the “Three Lions” and Belgium. Stones admitted to Sky Sports News that he is not sure whether he will be fit enough to face Arsenal. The English team was said to be absent from Man City’s latest training session.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji and goalkeeper Ederson have all returned to practice with the team. However, it remains to be seen whether this trio will be fit enough to play in the important match of the season?
As for Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli withdrew from the Brazil squad this month due to a leg injury he suffered in Arsenal’s 6-0 win over Sheffield United earlier this month. According to football.london, the 22-year-old winger is training hard to race against time.
Similarly, Gabriel Magalhaes withdrew from the Brazilian team during the recent training camp because he continued to treat his Achilles tendonitis. Bukayo Saka also withdrew from the England team due to a minor muscle problem. The 22-year-old winger was forced to return to Arsenal as a precaution.
Gabriel Jesus has had to treat a knee injury for a while, but with two weeks of rest, coach Arteta will hope that the Brazilian striker will recover in time to play. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko faces physical concerns after appearing in two of Ukraine’s matches in the EURO 2024 play-off round.
Jurrien Timber spent most of the season in the treatment room after tearing his ligament earlier in the season. The Dutch international has returned to training during his recovery. According to football.london, Timber can only return at the end of the season if everything goes smoothly.