- Pep Guardiola has a number of defensive players facing late fitness tests at City
- Man City take on Arsenal on Sunday in a huge Premier League title meeting
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Another Manchester City defender has picked up an injury on international duty to add to Pep Guardiola’s injury headache at the back ahead of Sunday’s Arsenal clash.
Kyle Walker pulled up during England’s friendly defeat to Brazil at the weekend and was duly substituted in the first half to spark concern at the Etihad with the massive tie looming large.
Reports after the game suggested that the right back – who was captaining the side on the night – had avoided a potentially serious hamstring injury, with the club thought to be retaining hope of his presence on Sunday.
Meanwhile, John Stones also kept Guardiola sweating after he went off injured just minutes into England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday night.
Goalkeeper Ederson is also facing a late fitness test after suffering a thigh injury in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, although there is a hope that he could be fit in time to take on the Gunners at the Etihad.
However, Guardiola was handed another selection headache when a third City defender was ruled out of further international action on Tuesday.
Reports emerged that Manuel Akanji had picked up a knock, with the Swiss star no longer taking part in his side’s clash with the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.
The central defender has started the last 16 of Switzerland’s matches, and has emerged as one of the most important defensive pieces to City’s puzzle.
It is not thought to be a serious injury, with both Akanji and Walker thought to still be in with a shout of featuring against Arsenal.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League table on goal difference, leading Liverpool, with City just a point behind, so Sunday’s clash will have huge ramifications on the title race.
His arrival at the Etihad was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that he and then-fellow Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland joined in the same window, the defender arriving for just £15million.
While Akanji didn’t go on to break numerous scoring records in the Premier League, but he did slot in alongside Ruben Dias at the heart of the City defence to allow John Stones to move into midfield in Guardiola’s latest successful tactical left-turn.
Akanji’s versatility has also been key to Guardiola’s plans with the defender, like Nathan Ake, also capable of playing at left back.
This term the Swiss star has played 34 games in all competitions already, scoring four and has kept 11 clean sheets.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
