Manchester City faces a crucial match against Arsenal, but they’ll have to navigate it without Kyle Walker and John Stones due to injuries sustained while playing for England.
John Stones and Kyle Walker’s injury
Pep Guardiola anticipates a lengthier absence for captain Walker compared to Stones, though the exact recovery timelines remain uncertain.
Sports Buddy in recent news reported that John Stones was substituted just eight minutes into England’s friendly against Belgium, a concerning development just days before Manchester City’s crucial title clash against Arsenal on Sunday
However, there’s some relief for City as Manuel Akanji, who missed training on Thursday, is expected to be fit to fill one of the defensive spots. Additionally, Ederson is poised to make a comeback in goal following his thigh injury suffered in the draw against Liverpool.
“Kyle and John are out,” said Guardiola. “It is what it is. [The injury for] Kyle tougher than John but I don’t know how many games.”, as cited by The Independent.
Walker underwent scans for his thigh injury, while Stones is grappling with an abductor problem. City is still awaiting updates on their fitness ahead of their upcoming matches against Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
Upcoming matches and player update
Aston Villa, a team that has already defeated them this season, awaits them on Wednesday, followed by the crucial clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu the following week.
On a brighter note, Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the FA Cup victory over Newcastle and Belgium’s internationals against the Republic of Ireland and England, is expected to be available for selection.
