Arsenal can expose Man City weaknesses amid John Stones and Kyle Walker injury update
Manchester City will be without both John Stones and Kyle Walker for Sunday’s game against Arsenal, something that the Gunners could take advantage of. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium just one point above City in the Premier League table in what is turning out to be a three-way battle for the title at the end of the season.
Arsenal are currently top on goal difference ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with City in third. Both Stones and Walker were injured while on international duty with England over the two-week break from league football. Pep Guardiola has now confirmed that both will miss the weekend’s clash.
The City boss confirmed that fellow defender Manuel Akanji will be fit, while goalkeeper Ederson is ‘much better.’ There is also doubt over the fitness of influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who missed international duty with Belgium.
But it is the loss of two key men in defence that Arsenal could take advantage of when the two teams meet. Stones has had injury problems this season but has been impressive when playing, scoring a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in his last Premier League outing.
Walker has been an ever-present for City in the Premier League this season, wearing the captain's armband on most occasions. His speed is a key strength that helps get his team out of sticky situations.
As ever with City, the quality of their squad means that they will be able to call upon other members to replace any players missing. Youngster Rico Lewis, who was part of the England squad for the game against Belgium, could come in for Walker, while Akanji being fit is a boost in the wake of the Stones injury.
Full Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool injury list ahead of Premier League title race
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