Manchester City could be without up to three players for their massive Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday, with Kevin De Bruyne a big injury doubt.
It’s only match week five of the new Premier League season but Manchester City will meet Arsenal in a game that will have a lasting impact on the title race.
With both teams operating at such a high level over the last few seasons, any dropped points could be crucial and a win for either side will deal a big blow to the other.
Both teams have injury concerns going into the match and Arsenal will be without Martin Odegaard, Aleks Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mikel Merino and Kieran Tierney.
Mikel Arteta will at least welcome back important midfielder Declan Rice after serving his one-game ban.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, could be without star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne as he joined Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb on the sidelines.
Here is the latest City injury news and when the absentees could be back in action.
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| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 |  Man CityManchester City | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 4 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
Kevin De Bruyne
City were presented with one of the most frightful sights possible as half-time approached in Wednesday’s goalless draw with Inter when Kevin De Bruyne pulled up with an injury.
It was clear from the look on his face that the brilliant Belgian would not be able to continue and, in a fate eerily similar to the 2023 final, he was taken off at the break.
Guardiola remained coy on the injury and suggested he would give De Bruyne every chance to get fit for the visit of Arsenal.
Latest update: Guardiola said on September 20: “He feels today a little bit better, but not yet. Two days off, tomorrow training and we will see.”
Potential return date: September 22, vs Arsenal
Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake became City’s second significant casualty of the season when he suffered a hamstring injury while representing the Netherlands in the international break.
The defender went down just before half-time in the 2-2- draw with Germany and had to be carried off the pitch. He won’t be back until after the next international break in October.
Latest update: Guardiola said on September 13: “Injured. I think it will be until the next international break.
“We are unlucky with Nathan in the international team, every time he goes there he comes back injured.”
Potential return date: October 20 vs Wolves
Oscar Bobb
Just as it seemed as though Oscar Bobb was about to take the season by storm, he was dealt a cruel blow at the worst possible time.
The playmaker suffered a fractured leg in training that ruled him out of action for four months in August, meaning he won’t be back in action until December at the earliest.
Latest update: Guardiola said on August 16: “It was in the training session. Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured.
“He is having surgery this afternoon. Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in 3-4 months.”
Potential return date: December 4
