A new season with quite a few changes, but it’s the most exciting match in the Premier League. The sensational Manchester City, the champions, will have a challenging encounter against Arsenal at home, which is expected to be a fiercely contested match. However, coming after a hectic week of soccer with the Champions League in between, injuries will be a concern for the London team who lost its captain Martin Odegaard.

However, Pep Guardiola’s squad is also under pressure, with doubts surfacing over Kevin De Bruyne and other players’ availability. While the team had only a couple of players out last week, who remains on the sidelines?

Key Injury updates for Manchester City before Arsenal battle

Kevin De Bruyne

The talisman, despite his latest form, will remain crucial for the Sky Blues in the tournament. But the fans were left alarmed after Kevin De Bruyne did not emerge for the second half against Inter Milan in their Champions League clash. After receiving a knock in the first half, reports suggest he had a groin issue, and whether he could play tomorrow remains a mystery.

Speaking about it, Guardiola needed time to assess, even though he claims an improvement in the Belgian maestro’s condition.

About his presence, Pep initially stated, “Kevin feels a little better, but not yet. Tomorrow we train and we will see.” But when he was asked again, he stated, “He could be involved.” As the chances look bleak, the manager has already had an alternative plan and suggested reports.

Phil Foden

While the Belgian could miss out, the league’s POTY from last season Phil Foden is fit. Guardiola stated that the Manchester City winger is ready to start and stay on the pitch for 90 minutes. Foden was out of the team since the beginning of the league season. While reports suggested illness, Pep hinted that the break was necessary.

“Every player needs a break, a rest, and he had some disturbances in the last weeks, but he played a good 45 minutes in the last game. He was the best player in the league last season, so of course we need him,” suggesting his pleasure, to receive Foden back. 

Savinho

The Brazilian has been impressive with his dribbling and vision. But it appears that he’s having a few issues with his fitness. After being taken off at halftime for Manchester City against Chelsea, Savinho caught a knee injury and missed the clash against West Ham. While he played the entire 90 against Brentford, the 20-year-old was claimed to have a cramp. Yet, in positive news, his substitution at half-time against Inter Milan was a tactical decision and there seems to be no issue with him against the Gunners.

Nathan Ake

Ake caught a hamstring injury against Germany in the Nations League. Hence, the Dutch defender is not expected to arrive until the end of the next international break. Pep is now shuffling his left back and could once again use Josko Gvardiol in the position.

With the teams preparing for the heavy-weight battle, we expect some fireworks.