Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji all returned to their clubs with injuries following a potentially damaging international break, and Erling Haaland of Norway apparently had a problem that turned out to be nothing at all. Pep Guardiola and Manchester City appears to be dealing with a sudden injury crisis.
Being without any of those players is hardly a plus for City and Guardiola, but it has put more pressure on Arsenal ahead of their massive match at the Etihad on Sunday.
The severity of Walker, Stones, and Akanji’s injuries will become clear with time, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see at least two of those three participate in some way on Sunday.
Before England’s first game of the break against Brazil, Bukayo Saka pulled out from the team, giving himself the much-needed rest. It seems that his absence was only for safety.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli’s availability is still unknown; as a precaution, the former is in the same boat as Saka and is not representing Brazil. Martinelli is uncertain, though. Leandro Trossard’s form suggests that a return to the bench is not out of the question, therefore this is not a tremendous setback. In any case, the Belgian is certain to get underway.
While it is evident that both Arteta and Guardiola wish to keep their opponents guessing, the latter’s strategy appears more concerning on paper.