Manchester City vs. Arsenal this weekend could be a potential Premier League-deciding match. The Gunners are top of the table on 64 points, but City are right behind them with 63 points.
Injuries to Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Ederson before and during the international break threatened to dampen the spectacle on Sunday. Thankfully, it now looks like several of these key Man City starters could be back for the Arsenal match.
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne didn’t play for Belgium during the international break. The legendary playmaker was suffering from a lingering groin injury and needed a period of rest to recover fully.
Even with that time to rest, he is a doubt for Man City vs. Arsenal. However, De Bruyne was spotted in training on Thursday, so now it’s looking likely he will play against Arsenal on Sunday.
Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker left the pitch with an ankle injury in England’s 1-0 friendly loss against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday. He pulled out of the England squad after that injury, making many fans fear it was a long-term one.
Scans at Manchester City now show that is not the case. Walker could be available as soon as this weekend against Arsenal. However, he didn’t train with the squad on Thursday.
John Stones
John Stones is another casualty of England’s most recent friendlies. The versatile defender limped off 10 minutes into the Three Lions’ 2-2 draw with Belgium. Unlike Walker, tests haven’t revealed the extent of Stones’ injury yet.
Early reports say it’s unlikely that Stones will be available for Man City vs. Arsenal. The Englishman has been one of City’s best players. His absence is sure to be felt on Sunday, if he does miss out.
Ederson
Like De Bruyne, and Ederson didn’t play with his national team over the break. The Brazilian picked up a hamstring injury in City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool almost three weeks ago. He missed City’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle with this injury.
Ederson was not seen at training on Thursday, but he could still make an appearance on Sunday. Earlier in the month, Pep Guardiola said, “[Ederson] is getting better, hopefully he’ll be ready after the international break.”
It could be a game-time decision for Ederson. If he doesn’t play, backup Stefan Ortega will be between the sticks for Man City vs. Arsenal.
Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji pulled out of the Switzerland camp after suffering a knock against Belgium. It wasn’t clear whether the injury was a serious one. The defender took part in training on Thursday. Akanji should be available for Man City vs. Arsenal on Sunday.
