Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has announced that John Stones will not be available for the team’s Premier League match against Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne is making progress in his recovery, and the absence of midfielder Rodrigo presents a tactical challenge for the City boss.

Manchester City will be without defender John Stones in the upcoming Premier League fixture against Arsenal this Sunday.

Stones has not yet participated in a league game this season.

“No. He’s not ready to play. Maybe for the national team, but not us,” said City’s manager Pep Guardiola.

While Stones’ absence is confirmed, Guardiola shared a more optimistic update regarding Kevin De Bruyne, who has been missing since the season’s start due to a hamstring surgery.

Although initially ruled out for up to five months, De Bruyne seems to be progressing well. “Kevin comes in at different times, either before training or for his treatment,” Guardiola mentioned. “Of course, I see him every day and he’s getting better, and his mood is good. Hopefully, he will be back sooner than expected.”

Sunday, however, is too soon.

Guardiola also addressed the challenge of replacing midfielder Rodri, who will be serving the last of his three-match domestic ban.

The Spaniard’s absence has been a problem for Manchester City, who have already faced defeats against Newcastle and Wolves.

Discussing his options, Guardiola said, “We will see – we start to talk today with my staff. This afternoon I will analyse and prepare for the game tomorrow. Rodrigo is maybe the best or in the top two or three best holding midfielders in the world. Like I said, he’s not here and we’ll have to find a solution with our players and how we want to play.”

Guardiola went on to elaborate that Kalvin Phillips and Mateo Kovacic both filled Rodrigo’s role in previous matches but remained non-committal about his choice for Sunday’s game against Arsenal.

“I’m thinking of the solution we have. Rodrigo is on holiday now and after the international break, he will be back ready for Brighton,” he added.

While Manchester City grapples with these player availabilities, Arsenal will undoubtedly seek to capitalise on their rival’s missing personnel. The Gunners are likely to see this as an opportunity to strengthen their performance in the Premier League.

Arsenal themselves were boosted with the news that Bukayo Saka has been cleared to play.