With Arsenal’s focus on Manchester City after the international break, Pep Guardiola’s side have a few concerns over some of their top players.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Ederson of Manchester City receives medical treatment after sustaining an injury and is later substituted off during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on March 10, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Ederson of Manchester City receives medical treatment after sustaining an injury and is later substituted off during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on March 10, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium on March 31st for a pivotal Premier League clash. Pep Guardiola‘s side remains on course for an unprecedented second quadruple, but their quest for bought glory could be hampered by the absence of key players.

Here’s a look at how their concerns stand after their FA Cup win over Newcastle United on Saturday and a few days of the international break:

  • Erling Haaland: The prolific Norwegian striker was withdrawn late on against Newcastle, sparking fears of an injury. However, Guardiola downplayed these concerns, although his comments suggested Haaland might be used cautiously during the international break. Then came the news that he limped out of training with Norway with what The Guardian report is ‘an apparent knock’. Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, said there was ‘no problem’.

  • Kevin De Bruyne: The midfielder is a major creative force for City, but a groin issue has kept him sidelined recently. While Guardiola is hopeful for De Bruyne’s return by the Arsenal clash, the congested fixture schedule after the international break could limit his involvement. “Kevin will be back soon,” Guardiola said, “but when you see the schedule after the international break, we have Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Madrid. Three days, three days, three days. Will be really tough, and we have to have everyone.”

  • Ederson: The Brazilian goalkeeper’s collision with Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez resulted in him being substituted with a leg injury and he hasn’t played since. He’s reportedly recovering, but his availability for the Arsenal match remains uncertain. “Eddy is getting better so hopefully he will be ready after the international break,” Guardiola said.

  • Jack Grealish: Although the midfielder did not join up with England for this international break, he is not injured and will be available to face Arsenal, unless something happens between now and then.
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