Pep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones and Kyle Walker are out of Sunday's match with
Arsenal as their absence raises doubts over whether they will be fit to face
Real Madrid next month. Stones and Walker both picked up injuries on international duty, with Walker pulling up in the game against
Brazil and Stones against
Belgium a few days later. Tests have subsequently confirmed they are not able to feature in the heavyweight
Premier League clash at the weekend, and Guardiola could not say when they will return. City's manager refused to offer comment on Gareth Southgate's decision to start Stones twice in four days given his injury problems this season and historically, but is happier to be able to call on other doubts. Manu Akanji and Matheus Nunes also picked up injuries during the break and Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish did not join up with their national teams, yet all have trained at the City
Football Academy this week. ALSO READ: Jack Grealish has four-word statement for Man City team vs Arsenal ALSO READ: 'So much disquiet' - Man City fan groups hit back at club in season ticket row "It is what it is," said Guardiola. "You have to see the calendar that we have. If we want to fight in all competitions we need all the players. "We have enough and the calendar doesn't look good for us but it is what it is. It's good to be here with two titles and in contention for three titles after what happened last season. "We made incredible work. Now with the last 10 games of the Premier League at home with our people - I'm pretty sure they will give us what we need to perform to our best. Right now every game is so important. If we are able to do it, the next game will be important as well."