Man City title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool await injury news as key men pull out of international duty

Manchester City’s title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have both been dealt injury blows after two key players withdrew from international duty.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently sat in third place in the Premier League table and sit one point behind both clubs as the focus turns towards the international break. City have a whole host of players now preparing for big games with their nations - although there was some good news when Kevin De Bruyne was not named in the Belgium squad ahead of their meeting with England.

Despite suffering a groin injury that forced him to miss the FA Cup win against Newcastle, the former Chelsea star is expected to return to action following the international break when City face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in what will be a crucial clash in the race for the title. The Gunners are also hoping for good news ahead of that game with Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli currently dealing with a foot injury. There was further concern for Mikel Arteta after defender Gabriel withdrew from the Brazil squad that is set to face both England and Spain over the next week.

Speaking ahead of those games, Brazil manager Dorival Junior said: “I had already communicated previously that we will work with a slightly more extensive list. A pre-call — we can put it that way — and again, today, we had another casualty. Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhães is uncalled. In his place, we are calling Bremer, from Juventus.”

Liverpool’s title bid will resume after the international break when Jurgen Klopp with a home game against Brighton and Hove Albion and the Reds boss is awaiting news on the fitness of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.

The news that Darwin Nunez has pulled out of Uruguay’s squad that will take on the Basque national side and Ivory Coast over the international break will provide another worry for Klopp as he looks to round off his managerial reign at Anfield with a second Premier League title.