Nico O’Reilly and Bukayo Saka have fitness concerns (Image: Getty)
It’s the match everyone has been waiting for… Manchester City vs. Arsenal for the Premier League title. If the Gunners win, they will remain with the trophy, but if they lose, City will move back up the table.
It’s a draw, no one knows. But with anticipation building ahead of a (potential) title game, all eyes are on who will or won’t be in the starting lineup. Express Sport brings you the latest injury updates and other big stories from across the league ahead of City vs. Arsenal.
Man City injury news: O’Reilly, Dias, Gvardiol
One of the big injury concerns heading into the weekend concerns the fitness of Nico O’Reilly, who came on as a substitute in last weekend’s game against Chelsea. However, manager Josep Guardiola insisted O’Reilly was “okay” for the contest and was expected to be in the squad at the bare minimum on Sunday.
The same cannot be said for Ruben Diaz, who continues to suffer from ankle problems and is likely to miss the rest of the month. He is in the treatment room with fellow defender Josko Gvardiol, as well as likely centre-back duo Marc Gehi and Abdukkodir Kusanov.
Arsenal injury news: Saka, Madueke, Timber, Calafioli
The league-leading team may be without several key players, including Bukayo Saka. Arteta has already ruled out the winger, saying: “It’s true that Bukayo will be absent. He’s only just started doing things so we’ll see how it goes and see how quickly he can get over it and then we’ll wait.”
Meanwhile, things were more positive for Noni Madueke, with manager Arteta saying: “He didn’t look too bad after the game and was quite positive. He’s a player who overcomes pain.”
Julian Timber and Riccardo Calafioli have also struggled with injuries recently, as has captain Martin Odegaard. Of the trio, Arteta said: “We’ll try again. Some players are very close, but there’s only a little time left, so tomorrow we’ll try to push everyone. If they’re fit, they’ll be part of us, otherwise they won’t be part of the team. Unfortunately they haven’t been in the last few weeks.”
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page
Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke also questionable (Image: Getty)
Reece James’ career has been plagued by injuries and the full-back is currently sidelined once again. Manager Thomas Tuchel will be heartbroken given England’s World Cup campaign is so close.
He is believed to be close to a return, with Liam Rosenior saying earlier this week: “Reece ran today, which was great.” Saturday’s match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge may have come a little too soon.
And finally, it will be a while before we see Hugo Ekitike in action again. The Frenchman suffered an Achilles tendon injury in midweek and was expected to be out for up to nine months.
Arne Slott explained: “He hasn’t had the surgery yet. It’s a shock to come to a new club and make a big impact so soon.” Alexander Isak is also available for selection, but Slott reiterated that the Swede will not be able to play the full 90 minutes.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
