Sport |
Football Kevin De Bruyne headlines a long list of
Manchester City injury worries ahead of Sunday’s clash with
Arsenal . The Gunners lead the
Premier League on goal difference ahead of a crucial weekend in the title race, which also sees second-place
Liverpool host Brighton, and holders City will start the day in third and a point behind both.
Pep Guardiola lost both Kyle Walker and John Stones to leg muscle injuries over the international break and neither were spotted in Thursday’s open training session . However, De Bruyne did feature having sat out Belgium’s matches with a groin problem which had previously kept him out of his club’s FA Cup win over Newcastle. Manuel Akanji picked up a knock while away with Switzerland but has been able to train in the build-up to Arsenal’s visit, as has Ederson after his short absence due to injury. Jack Grealish is expected to be available having shaken off a groin issue. How Guardiola, who will update fans on the latest City team news in Friday’s press conference, deals with the possible absence of two key defenders could set the tone for the game. Rico Lewis stepped in for Rodri when the Spanish midfielder missed the trip to Arsenal earlier in the season and appears the natural fit to start if Walker misses out. Stones’ likely absence as well would remove the City manager’s favoured option when it comes to a defender stepping into the midfield while in possession, a role which instead could be filled by Akanji or Lewis. Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol are Guardiola’s options at left-back while a decision will have to be made in attack, where Julian Alvarez has often lost out to Jeremy Doku of late. Double injury blow for Man City ahead of Arsenal showdown but De Bruyne fit to train Man City vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h Rice poised for key role to help Arsenal stop Man City metronome Rodri First look at exceptional new
London properties for sale in 2024 Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Rodri; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland Doubts: Ederson, Walker, Stones, De Bruyne, Akanji Time and date: 4.30pm GMT, Sunday March 31, 2024 Venue: Etihad Stadium TV channel: Sky Sports MORE ABOUT Have your say...