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Man City injury updates and return dates with four players doubtful for Arsenal clash
Manchester City could be without three key players for Arsenal's visit to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is sweating over three key players ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal. The Gunners are only one point ahead of their Mancunian counterparts with 10 games left to play, while Liverpool are also firmly in title contention.
Guardiola is set to come face-to-face with his former protege Mikel Arteta this weekend in a match which could have a telling impact on the title race. City have home advantage at the Etihad Stadium but an important trio are at risk of missing the match.
Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ederson have all been forced to rest up for some or all of the international break, with City fans keeping their fingers crossed that they will make it back in time for this weekend's showdown.
Guardiola will at least be consoled by the fact that Arsenal are battling several injury concerns of their own. Here, Express Sport takes you through City's latest injury news as the days tick down towards kick-off...
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has missed 35 club matches already this season, and a groin issue has seen him sit out the entire international break. De Bruyne played through pain at Anfield earlier this month but didn't even make the matchday squad when City beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup before players joined up with their respective national teams.
Guardiola said that his midfield talisman was 'getting better' before facing the Magpies, suggesting he will be aiming to feature in the Arsenal game at least from the bench, but his official return date is unknown.
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Kyle Walker
The City captain coming off injured within 20 minutes of England's defeat against Brazil on Saturday was a sorry sight for supporters, and his subsequent withdrawal from the squad did nothing to ease concerns.
However, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate suggested that Walker was taken off as a precaution as he did not want to 'take a chance' on a bout of muscle 'tightness'. The right-back will be assessed ahead of City's meeting with Arsenal this weekend but given how little has been made public about his condition, there is no return date set in stone.
Ederson
The goalkeeper was ruled out of this month's internationals after sustaining an injury in the draw with Liverpool. City have a capable deputy in Stefan Ortega, but Guardiola will be desperate to have his first choice between the sticks against the Gunners.
Of the three players at risk of missing out, Ederson seems the most likely to start on Sunday as Guardiola said before the international break: "Eddie is getting better. Hopefully, he'll be ready."
Manuel Akanji
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin confirmed on Tuesday that the defender would return to City after picking up a knock. Akanji played the full 90 minutes of Saturday's draw with Denmark in the heart of the back line.
The 28-year-old has proved himself to be a bargain buy since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He has started 19 Premier League matches this season and offers Guardiola the versatility to play in a range of positions.