City boss Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones. The City manager was speaking before City’s trip to London to face Arsenal on Sunday. The champions were hit with an injury crisis to begin the season, but now only De Bruyne and Stones remain on the injury list.
Speaking on De Bruyne’s injury Guardiola was optimistic about the Belgian’s recovery from a hamstring injury. He told the media De Bruyne was recovering well from surgery. He said: “Kevin comes in at different times, either before training or for his treatment. After training he sees physios, and so on. Of course, I see him every day and he’s getting better, and his mood is good. Hopefully, he will be back sooner than expected.”
Pep Guardiola also revealed John Stones won’t feature against Arsenal. The defender returned to the bench midweek in City’s win over RB Leipzig. He has been out since the FA Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Arsenal to begin the season. When asked about Stones status for Sunday’s game Guardiola explained: “No. He’s not ready to play. Maybe for the national team, but not us.”
John Stones was picked in Gareth Southgate’s England squad midweek. England faces Australia in a friendly and Italy in Euro 24 qualifying action over the international break.
De Bruyne and Stones are joined by Rodri who will also miss the match against Arsenal. Rodri will be serving the final game of his three-game suspension for the red card he received against Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City will be seeking to continue their recent dominance over Arsenal in Sunday’s clash. The game is the last before the international break. City returns to action on October 22nd against Brighton.
