Manchester City will have to do without injured defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones ahead of the clash at the top of the Premier League against leader Arsenal on Sunday (5:30 p.m.), coach Pep Guardiola said on Friday.
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“Kyle (Walker)'s injury is more serious than John (Stones), but they will both be absent, I don't know for how long
,” declared the Catalan technician at a press conference. The full-back and the central defender, usually the starters, were both injured during the last international window with England.
Walker had to make way against Brazil with a hamstring injury, while Stones went off with an adductor injury in Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Belgium. Guardiola, however, has his goalkeeper Ederson back, as well as Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish and his playing master Kevin De Bruyne, back from injury. The Belgian has had a season undermined by physical problems but has the opportunity to come back at the best time, before hosting the Gunners on Sunday (5:30 p.m.).
“He was absent for a long time, but he trained very well yesterday (Thursday, Editor’s note)
,” assured Guardiola. The Citizens are in third place (63 points) in the Premier League, one unit behind Arsenal and Liverpool.