Arsenal handed potential Premier League title boost as key Man City trio ruled out of CL clash

Arsenal have been handed a potentially significant boost in their challenge for the Premier League title, with three Manchester City stars not included in the squad to take on RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

City defeated the Gunners 3-1 last week to sit on top of the Premier League table, but lost the lead again on Saturday after Arsenal won at Aston Villa.

Pep Guardiola's side were unable to respond, drawing 1-1 at Nottingham Forest due to Chris Wood's late equaliser for the hosts.

There were more concerns for City on Tuesday morning, when it was revealed that several players had missed training ahead of the Leipzig clash, which takes place on Wednesday.

They included defender John Stones, who has missed the last four games due to a thigh injury that he is still recovering from.

But two other key City players are also not travelling - despite starting the game against Forest.

City trio ruled out of UCL clash

As per City Xtra, Guardiola will be unable to call upon Stones, Aymeric Laporte or Kevin De Bruyne in Germany. All three players are not in the 22-man travelling squad.

Whilst Stones's participation had looked unlikely, it was anticipated that De Bruyne and Laporte would feature until they were not spotted in pre-match training.

Guardiola is yet to comment on the news, with his press conference taking place this evening.

Laporte has been a key figure on the left side of City's defence in recent weeks, especially when the starting XI has been named without a left-back role. The Spain international has previous experience of playing at full-back.

When De Bruyne plays, meanwhile, City are undoubtedly a more threatening side when it comes to creating chances. The Belgian has recorded 21 goal contributions in all competitions this term, despite not being an automatic starter after the World Cup.

If the trio are not back in the squad to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, it could hand Arsenal another boost in their battle to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004.