Seven Man City stars at risk of missing Arsenal clash as Pep Guardiola faces injury crisis

Pep Guardiola is facing a monumental injury crisis ahead of Manchester City's heavyweight clash with Arsenal.

The champions will welcome their Premier League rivals Arsenal to the Etihad at the weekend in a game that could go some way to deciding the title. City, however, face the prospect of being without seven of their major names - with Kevin De Bruyne among those whose fitness remains a doubt.

City could also be without Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji after suffering injuries on international duty - which would leave Guardiola with some major headaches defensively as three of his backline would be unavailable.

De Bruyne would arguably be the biggest loss with Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes also facing a race against time to make the game at the Etihad. Ederson is another man who could miss out with the Brazilian goalkeeper forced off in the draw at Liverpool several weeks ago.

Nunes, who has very much been a squad player since his summer move from Wolves, reported a foot injury and was withdrawn from the Portuguese squad during the international break. De Bruyne has been nursing a groin issue but did come through a session with City’s Under-23s on Tuesday and may be included on the bench if he's not 100 percent.

City have a strong recent record against the Gunners, especially at their Manchester home, but missing several key players would certainly test their resources against the table toppers. Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over the champions earlier this season in north London.

The games continue to come thick and fast for Guardiola's side, which makes their injury woes all the more worrying. They have seven matches between now and April 20 — four of those in the Premier League, their two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid and an FA Cup semi against Chelsea.

John Stones was injured whilst with England
(Image: Getty Images)

They remain on course to repeat last season's historic treble but will need their leading lights firing on all cylinders if they are to win numerous honours come the end of the season.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta meanwhile will be hoping that both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel prove their fitness before the trip north after both men pulled out of their international commitments. Saka had a muscle issue which saw him withdraw from the squad last week.

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