Manchester City will host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial match on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 4:30 WAT amidst the English Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta could both be forced to make several changes this weekend as some of their key players are set to miss the game due to injury concerns.
The defending champions and the Gunners will be hoping to gain an edge over each other on Sunday afternoon as a win to either side will contribute a massive boost to the title race.
Mikel Arteta‘s side are currently top of the League table, but only a seven-goal difference separates them from Liverpool in second. Meanwhile, the Cityzens sit third and chase the two clubs by just one point.
After surrendering first place to Manchester City late in the 2022/2023 season, Arsenal will be determined to finally get their hands on some League title this term.
The north London club haven’t won an English top-flight title in almost 20 years, so Arteta could very well pull off an incredible performance against Man City that will give his side an edge in the title race.
Guardiola, on the other hand, could have a trick or two to overcome the League leaders as the master looks to outsmart his apprentice.
Below is the list of key players doubtful for the crucial game on Sunday:
Manchester City’s injury concern
Ederson
Ederson suffered a hamstring injury in Manchester City’s draw against Liverpool on March 10, 2024.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper missed the Cityzen win over Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarterfinal, as well as Brazil’s friendly games against England and Spain.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne didn’t join the Belgium squad during the international break as he continues to nurse a groin injury.
However, the 32-year-old midfielder has been pictured in training this week, raising hope he will be available for the Arsenal clash, though it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit for the match or not.
Kyle Walker
Walker appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during England’s friendly game against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, March 23. The 33-year-old defender was filmed limping off the pitch and heading straight for the dressing room.
After the game, the former Tottenham defender took to his Instagram page to express his frustration with the injury, he wrote: “Frustrating to come off injured in last night’s game especially when captaining the side. A truly great honor, hopefully, it’s nothing too serious and I’ll be back ASAP”.
John Stones
Stones limped off during England’s draw against Belgium on Tuesday, March 26, due to what seems to be an abductor injury. The 29-year-old defender has appeared as a doubt for the Arsenal clash, with further tests needed to determine the extent of the situation.
Manu Akanji
Akanji pulled out of the Switzerland squad after picking up a knock during a draw against Denmark on Saturday, March 23. The severity of the 28-year-old defender’s case remains to be seen, with further tests needed to determine the extent of the issue.
Arsenal injury concerns
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was withdrawn from the Brazil squad this month due to a foot injury setback he suffered during Arsenal’s win over Sheffield United on March 4, 2024.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel was also withdrawn from the Brazil squad this month as he continues to nurse an inflamed Achilles tendon. The 26-year-old defender has started each of the Gunners’ last 18 matches in the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka
Saka was withdrawn from the England squad this month due to a minor muscle issue. The 22-year-old winger reported for England training at St George’s Park, but it was later decided that he should return to north London as a precaution.
What’s next for Manchester City and Arsenal
The two teams will definitely make a few changes to their respective squad this weekend as they return to action after the just-concluded international break.
