Arsenal vs Man City injury news: seven miss out and three doubtful for crucial Premier League clash

Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Arsenal collide this weekend in a match which once again sees student reunite with master as Pep Guardiola takes on his former apprentice Mikel Arteta.

At the start of the season, most fans would have viewed Sunday’s clash as the ultimate title deciding contest, but a lot has changed in both camps since last September’s eventful 2-2 draw when Rodri sustained a serious ACL injury and the likes of Erling Haaland, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel and John Stones all got on the scoresheet.

In mid-November, City for the first time in Pep Guardiola’s rein began to show serious signs of cracks after Rodri’s injury, following shock defeats to Bournemouth, Brighton, Sporting and most notably a 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

This continued into December as the Cityzens fell down to seventh in the table, but in recent weeks the Sky Blues have shown signs of slowly returning to their formidable best.

The same to a lesser extent can be said about Arsenal, who were many people’s favourites to leapfrog City this season after two seasons of pushing them down to the wire. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent results leave the Gunners second and already a massive six points behind Liverpool having played one game extra.

Both sides desperately need a victory to achieve their goals this season but will have to contend without a number of their prized assets. Here we take a look at the injury situation from both clubs.

Manchester City injury news

City could be without up to five players for their trip to North London on Sunday, but are in a much better place with regards to injuries than they were earlier in the campaign.

Star midfielder Rodri remains out as he recovers from his long-term knee injury. The Spanish international hopes to return before the end of the season and has been a huge miss in the middle of the park.

Pep Guardiola’s side are also without defender Nathan Ake, who is dealing with a muscle injury. The club has not yet released an update on his return date.

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku won’t be available, as he is suffering from a knock which is expected to keep him out until mid-February. Guardiola said ahead of City’s Champions League game against Club Brugge: “A while... I don't know how much, but he won't be ready for Wednesday.”

Defender Ruben Dias has been dealing with a groin injury and is expected to miss the next few weeks.

“Ruben didn’t feel good. He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good. I don’t think [he will have a long layoff], but he was not fit and said he cannot play the second half.” Guardiola explained last weekend.

Last season’s breakout star Oscar Bobb, who has missed the whole campaign with injury, is however, edging closer to a return and has a chance of being included in the matchday squad.

Arsenal injury news

The Gunners are likely to be without five players for the game against City, with three key players still out injured for a long period of time.

Striker Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury earlier in January, which could keep him out for the remainder of the season, leaving Arsenal on the hunt for a new striker after a £60m bid was rejected for Ollie Watkins.

Star winger Bukayo Saka will also miss the City game, as he is still in recovery from a hamstring injury that he suffered around Christmas. A return at the end of March will seem to be the earliest possible timeline for the England international.

Defender Ben White is expected to return to full training in the near future. As things stand, White will likely return ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Leicester on February 15.

Goalkeeper David Raya is the latest doubt for the City game. The Spaniard was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s Champions League win over Girona, meaning that Neto might have to step in and play at the Emirates once again on Sunday. Arteta said: “He certainly could not play; he is injured, and that is it. Let’s see how it goes [for this weekend].”

In other news, Premier League champions Manchester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of securing Champions League football next season.