Man City may debut untested £182m defence vs Arsenal with three key huge doubts
Pep Guardiola is facing the biggest game of Manchester City's season without three of his most valuable defenders available.
Players return to the City Football Academy today to begin preparations for the Premier League title showdown with Arsenal, who lead the way a point above the Blues. However, Guardiola has seen his players pick up a number of concerning injuries over the international break, including captain Kyle Walker and influential centre-back John Stones.
Versatile defender Manu Akanji missed Switzerland's friendly at Ireland with a knock, with all three players doubtful to face Arsenal until they can be assessed by City's medical staff. All three started the draw at Anfield before the break, but Guardiola may have to turn to a completely untested back line to beat Arsenal if the trio are not able to play.
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Assuming Walker and Stones are not risked, and should Akanji not be available, Ruben Dias would be the most senior defender to be recalled after sitting on the bench at Liverpool. His likely partner would be one of Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol - with Ake used more at left-back but perhaps better in the centre oweing to his experience.
That would leave Gvardiol on the left, as he played at the Emirates in the return fixture, but the Croat has been caught out at times as he adapts to his new position. He is good on the ball, but is still learning the left-back role as Ake did, and because of that he hasn't quite been as solid on the few occasions he's played in the centre. But needs must if
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