Manchester City faces a defensive crisis as John Stones joins Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji in the treatment room following injuries while on international duty with England and Switzerland.
Stones’ premature departure during England’s clash with Belgium, just days before the crucial match against Arsenal, adds to Pep Guardiola’s concerns. With Walker sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered against Brazil and Akanji nursing a knock, City’s defensive options are dwindling.
England manager Gareth Southgate defended his decision to start Stones despite concerns, echoing similar instances with other international squads. However, the injury woes continue to plague City’s preparations for the showdown with Arsenal.
While Walker is expected to recover in time for the clash against Arsenal, the extent of Stones and Akanji’s injuries remains uncertain. Guardiola will closely monitor their progress as City braces for a challenging month with fixtures across multiple competitions.
The upcoming match against Arsenal holds significant importance in the Premier League title race, with City trailing the league leaders by a single point. Guardiola will be hoping for a swift recovery from his sidelined defenders as City aims to navigate through a demanding schedule and maintain their pursuit of silverware.
