Manchester City (the English Premier League title holder) received a double blow before its upcoming confrontation with Arsenal (the leaders) the day after tomorrow, Sunday, with the absence of its players Kyle Walker and John Stones due to injury.
The two players were injured while participating with their country’s national team during the international break.
Walker was substituted during the 0-1 loss against Brazil after a muscle injury to his thigh, while Stones limped during the 2-2 draw with Belgium due to an adductor muscle injury.
Arsenal leads the standings on goal difference over Liverpool and a point ahead of City, in a very exciting end to the league, which has reached its thirtieth stage.
The two defensive injuries will worry City, which is invited to a fiery confrontation in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid on April 9.
🚨🔵 Kyle Walker and John Stones are both OUT of Manchester City squad for the game against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/G4lytpNYUz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 29, 2024
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola said in a press conference on Friday, “Kyle’s injury is stronger than John’s, but they will miss, and I do not know how many matches.”
But the veteran coach will benefit from the recovery of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, Swiss defender Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, and Belgian Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne – who missed the cup quarter-final against Newcastle (2-0) before the international break – suffered a season full of injuries, the first 5 months due to a muscle tear.
However, the 32-year-old provided 12 assists and scored twice in 12 matches with the Citizens.
Guardiola 💬 Kevin De Bruyne is very important. It was a difficult season for him in terms of injuries, and he was absent for a long time. He trained well yesterday, and we will see what he will do in the next few days.#City pic.twitter.com/kjaLgDe4hR
– Manchester City (@Cityarabia) March 29, 2024
Guardiola, whose team did not lose in 38 home matches in various competitions, added, “He was absent for a long period, but he trained well yesterday. We will see how his condition develops in the coming days.”
The Belgian scored twice during the 4-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium last season, dealing the Blue Team a severe blow to the Gunners’ hopes of winning their first title since the era of French coach Arsene Wenger in 2004.
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