Man City dealt fresh injury blow ahead of huge Arsenal showdown
Manchester City's Manuel Akanji has reportedly pulled out of international duty for Switzerland with just five days to go until Sunday's crucial Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
The centre-back has been a regular in defence forPep Guardiola's side this season having made 34 appearances so far across all competitions. But he now faces a potential race to be fit for this weekend's fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin revealed on Monday evening that the 28-year-old has picked up a knock and will play no part in Tuesday's international friendly against Ireland, according to reports in the Irish Independent.
Arsenal will take on Guardiola's team with the chance to go four points clear of City in the Premier League title race. The Gunners currently lead the table ahead of Liverpool on goal difference with 64 points, while the Citizens sit third on 63 points.
City have several injury doubts for Sunday's game with Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish nursing groin injuries. Full-back Kyle Walker meanwhile came off after 21 minutes in England's friendly against Brazil on Saturday.
Man City's players are due to report back to the club on Thursday ahead of the Arsenal showdown, according to our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News. Striker Erling Haaland revealed Guardiola jokingly told his players he would 'come after them' if they got injured during the international break, having previously told them publicly to be sensible over their workload.
Haaland will play in Norway's game against Slovakia on Tuesday with City said to be waiting on what condition he will return in. Portuguese duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias were released from their squad after victory over Sweden in order to manage their
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