Man City handed surprise injury boost vs Arsenal but Ederson ruled out
John Stones is a surprise inclusion in the Manchester City squad to face Arsenal, having initially been ruled out of the game by Pep Guardiola on Friday, but the Blues are without goalkeeper Ederson.
Guardiola said the Brazilian was fit to face the Gunners 48 hours earlier but the thigh injury he picked up in the draw at Liverpool has forced him out of the game, with Stefan Ortega deputising, while Scott Carson is on the bench.
Having Stones available is a boost, however, with the centre-back limping out of England's friendly with Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday with a groin injury. When asked at his press conference on Friday, Guardiola said the 29-year-old wouldn't be available and ruled him out alongside Kyle Walker, who was also injured on international duty.
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Stones is among the replacements for City, with Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol starting in defence. Stones has suffered a series of injury blows this season but his availability will be a major boost to Guardiola ahead of a congested run-in.
City remain fighting on three fronts as they attempt to defend the historic treble they won last term. The Blues went into Sunday's matches a point behind Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Guardiola's men have a Champions League quarter final tie against Real Madrid on the horizon while City face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals. It means their is a congested end to the season for City, who face the prospect of 17 more games if they reach two more finals.
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