Manchester City Injury Update: Pep Guardiola Faces New John Stones Setback, When Will Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji & Kevin De Bruyne Make Their Return

As the international break draws to a close, anticipation for domestic action reignites. In the English Premier League, all eyes are on Manchester City as they prepare to face Arsenal this weekend in what is anticipated to be a pre-title showdown. However, amidst the excitement, Pep Guardiola‘s side is plagued by injury issues, with a new setback for John Stones compounding the problem. While we go into the latest on Stones’ status, let’s also look at Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, and Kevin De Bruyne’s anxiously anticipated returns.

John Stones 

During England’s match against Belgium on Tuesday night, John Stones sustained an early injury and had to be substituted after just nine minutes at Wembley, with Joe Gomez taking his place. In the post-match press conference, England boss Gareth Southgate said, “It looks like it’s in the abductor area. He came in on the back of not playing for two weeks, so it’s not about overload.” Although the exact date of his return remains uncertain, it’s confirmed that he won’t be available for Sunday’s clash.

Manchester City will assess the severity of his injury only after the England international undergoes several tests. This is quite concerning because this season the defender has suffered from a series of fitness concerns, which have restricted him to just 11 starts in the EPL.

Kyle Walker

Prior to John Stones, Kyle Walker became the most recent player to depart the England camp prematurely. The defender endured a hamstring injury during the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley, prompting his substitution after just 20 minutes while clutching the back of his left leg. Fortunately, the injury is believed to be minor. 

While his initial diagnosis indicated a tight hamstring rather than a strain, his progress will eventually be monitored over the next few days. Yet, we can expect the fullback to recuperate in time for the clash against Arsenal.

Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji became the third worry for Pep Guardiola after Walker, as he picked up a knock while playing the stalemate between Switzerland and Denmark. His injury even forced him to miss Tuesday’s action against Ireland in Dublin. So far, there is no update, and it’s uncertain if he is available for the Arsenal clash.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne might make his return against the Gunners after getting enough rest during the international break. The Belgian maestro was noticeably absent from his national team’s games during the break, and he should be ready to retake his place in the starting lineup after nearly 3 weeks out because of an alleged groin/hip/pelvic injury. He returned to team training on Monday.

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