Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that two of his injured players will miss their upcoming contest against Arsenal.
It seems like City’s home advantage on Sunday may not be as potent due to the injuries they have suffered.
A fully-fit Manchester City side would seem far likelier to get the job done against Arsenal than when they have been hampered by injuries such as in this instance.
Pep Guardiola confirms injured Manchester City duo of John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss Arsenal clash
However, that does not indicate that the Sky Blues should not be fancied to get over the line against the Gunners.
The best teams tend to embrace adversity and beat the odds like City have done in the past.
After all, despite missing Kevin De Bruyne for much of the ongoing season, they have still managed to compete on three fronts, which is extremely impressive, especially in the Premier League with how exceptional both Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta’s teams have been this campaign.
Ahead of his side’s upcoming battle against Arsenal, Manchester City tactician Pep Guardiola has confirmed that John Stones and Kyle Walker will be unavailable for selection due to their respective injuries.
“Injuries, Ederson is much, much better. Kyle [Walker] and John [Stones], out”, Guardiola said in his press conference [via Manchester City’s official YouTube channel].
When quizzed about how long the English duo will be injured for, the Catalan replied, “No.”
Guardiola went on to add, “Kyle’s [injury is] more tough than John’s but they will be out, I don’t know for how many games.”
It was reported that the defensive duo had missed the Sky Blues’ training session on Thursday.
The leaders in the Manchester City dressing room must step up now
There is no question that missing players as key as John Stones and Kyle Walker is far from ideal for a Manchester City side who will be looking to beat Arsenal.
However, in times of crisis, their leaders in the dressing room such as Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Ruben Dias to name a few must step up.
Not only in terms of their performances but by instilling the belief into their teammates that their injuries will not hamper them from getting a win.
It is all well and good for such figures to talk the talk and walk the walk when times are good.
But knowing how much Rodri, De Bruyne and Dias in particular embrace the toughest of tests, it is time for them to stand up and be counted as both players and characters.
