Fernandinho will miss Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City at the Emirates on Thursday, after picking up a hamstring injury in the League Cup final over the weekend.

Pep Guardiola had to withdraw Fernandinho after 52 minutes in the final, and City announced on Tuesday that scans showed he suffered a hamstring strain. According to their report, the strain isn’t serious, but the match on Thursday “will come too soon”.

The injury could be a significant loss for City, as Fernandinho has played in every league game of their campaign so far. He started 26 of their 27 matches, and played 90 minutes in 21 of them.

On the other hand, Guardiola’s side didn’t exactly struggle after the Brazilian went off on Sunday. In fact, in the 20 minutes after the substitution they scored two goals. I’m sure one of their many mega-money signings will slot in just fine.

Nonetheless, Fernandinho’s absence could change the dynamic of the match, and maybe allow Arsenal a bit more offensive freedom.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be back and available for Arsenal after missing out on the League Cup final, so he needs to help the team put in a much better performance this time around.

It’s the first time in four matches that Arsenal can play the Armenian alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Let’s hope they can make the difference.