Man City handed massive boost ahead of Arsenal clash which changes everything

Manchester City have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Sunday's crunch Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Gunners enter the weekend on top of the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta's side ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.

City, meanwhile, are a point further back in third position as they look to kickstart their seemingly traditional strong end to the campaign and lift a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.

While the match isn't pivotal, an Arsenal win would make it a massively uphill task for Guardiola and his side to get back into contention in the closing weeks of the campaign.

The international break hasn't helped City's cause ahead of the match, with Kyle Walker suffering a muscle injury while playing for England against Brazil on Saturday.

And John Stones limped off with a suspected abductor problem during the Three Lions' 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.

You can see how England boss Gareth Southgate reacted when asked about the injuries suffered by both players below.

While Walker is expected to recover in time to take on the Gunners, there are concerns over Stones and fellow centre-back Manuel Akanji ahead of the Arsenal clash.

And prior to the international break, it was announced that Kevin De Bruyne would play no part in Belgium's friendlies after suffering a groin problem in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

But according to ESPN, via sources, there is 'growing hope' that the midfielder will be available to take on Arsenal after successfully completing a training session with City's under-23 squad on Tuesday.

And De Bruyne is 'expected' to be involved in City first team training on Thursday, with a decision then to be taken on whether he can take part in the fixture against the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium.

The report also adds that Jack Grealish is nearing his comeback from a muscle injury, although it is unclear whether he will be considered to play at this stage in his recovery.

Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, Injury, Kyle Walker, John Stones

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.