The Premier League title race takes centre stage this weekend as Manchester City prepares to host Arsenal in what looks set to be a high-pressure game for both sides.

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Etihad Stadium as both teams grapple with significant injury concerns. Key defensive players for City, Kyle Walker and John Stones, are major doubts after picking up knocks while on international duty. Arsenal, too, has injury worries surrounding influential stars Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel. The fitness of these players could significantly impact the outcome of this pivotal match.

Manchester City face a nervous wait over the fitness of key defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones ahead of their crucial Premier League title clash against Arsenal this Sunday.

Both England internationals picked up knocks while on international duty and did not train with the rest of the City first team on Wednesday. Walker was forced off after just 20 minutes of England’s 1-0 loss to Brazil at Wembley with a hamstring problem, while Stones lasted a mere 10 minutes against Belgium before needing to be substituted due to an adductor issue.

The Citizens are now in a race against time to get the defensive duo fit for the visit of the Gunners. However, there was some positive news for Pep Guardiola, with Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes – who were also carrying knocks – participating in training.

 

Jack Grealish, Ederson, and Kevin De Bruyne all continued their recoveries from their respective injuries, offering City some hope of a stronger starting lineup, to nobody’s surprise.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns, with manager Mikel Arteta sweating over the fitness of three key players. Bukayo Saka withdrew from the England squad with a muscle issue, while Gabriel Martinelli missed Brazil’s matches due to a cut foot. Gabriel, opted to sit out the international break entirely due to concerns about his Achilles.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey are both expected to be in contention for the Emirates Stadium clash, which promises to be a key match in the Premier League title race.