Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be hoping to welcome back his international stars without any long-term injury problems ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The champions are just a point behind Mikel Arteta’s league leaders in the table but cannot afford to fall further behind as they also chase Champions League and FA Cup glory once again. And Guardiola will have been concerned at the sight of England duo John Stones and Kyle Walker after they were both forced off in the last two games.
They are both one of several injury concerns with Kevin de Bruyne and Ederson also doubts. It will be a relief for the City boss though that Erling Haaland appears to be okay after initial concern saw him limp off during a Norway training session. Below is the latest injury news for City:
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John Stones
Stones was forced off very early in England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday night. He lasted just ten minutes at Wembley Stadium before being replaced by Joe Gomez.
The defender was seen holding his right leg and making a couple of passes.
Potential return date: Arsenal (H) – March 31.
Kyle Walker
England boss Gareth Southgate was waiting to find out the severity of the issue that forced Walker off in the first half of the Three Lions fixture against Brazil. He said the right-back was unsure “whether it’s just tightness”.
Walker missed the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday, being left out of the squad altogether.
Potential return date: Arsenal (H) – March 31.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland emerged as a potential injury doubt for City. The striker was spotted in training for Norway appearing to be struggling to take part in the session, leading to fears over a potential injury.
However, he played 75 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic and a further hour in the 1-1 draw to Slovakia – missing a penalty.
Potential return date: Arsenal (H) – March 31.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne missed City’s win over Newcastle with a groin injury. As a result, he was also withdrawn from the Belgium squad before the international break.
De Bruyne will be spending the next week recovering from the injury in an attempt to feature against Arsenal. Guardiola will be expected to provide an update on the midfielder when he speaks to the media again next week.
Potential return date: Late March/early April.
Ederson
Ederson has been sidelined with a leg injury. The Brazilian sustained the injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on March 10.
As a result, Ederson missed City’s clash against Newcastle in the FA Cup. It was initially expected that the goalkeeper would be sidelined for three to four weeks, but there is hope that he could return in time to feature against Arsenal in the first game back after the international break.
Potential return date: Arsenal (H) – March 31.
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