Pep Guardiola confirms that Kyle Walker and John Stones will miss Manchester City's match against Arsenal

Manchester City will be without key duo Kyle Walker and John Stones for their big game against Arsenal this weekend.

pep guardiola confirmed that the couple from England Lost the match in his pre-match press conference.

Both defenders suffered their respective injuries during the international break.

Walker He left the field against Brazil due to a hamstring problem and stones came out against Belgium with an adductor problem.

When asked before the game about the team's news, Guardiola said: “Kyle and John, out.

“It is what it is.”

He was then asked if he had a timeline for either, but he was unable to provide one.

“Kyle's injury is tougher than John's, but they'll be out for I don't know how many games.”

There was better news for CityHowever, with Manuel Akanji fully recovered after suffering a knock while playing for Switzerland, and Ederson He is “much better” and has a good chance of playing against Arsenal.

The Brazilian goalkeeper and Swiss defender were expected to be unavailable for this big title clash, but both are fit and ready to play.

3

Kevin De Bruyne He is also in top form after missing the international break and the 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle.

But the loss of Stones and Walker is huge for City.

Walker was expected to be fine after suffering his injury early in the international break but has not recovered, leaving the hosts without a natural right-back.

The England international's pace is also a key part of City's defensive plan, with almost no winger in the league able to beat the former Tottenham player for pace.

The 33-year-old is rarely absent and has not missed a game for the Citizens due to injury since 2022.

3

Meanwhile, for the Stones, this is the latest injury in what has been a frustrating season for the defender.

Last year, he was one of City's best players as they won the treble, but injuries prevented him from playing too many games this year.

This latest issue is with his kidnapper, and occurred on international duty after playing Brazil's full game before leaving early against Belgium.

Guardiola was asked if he thought the Stones should have played and replied: “No comment.”

But even if he were happy with Stones' play, the City boss will be deprived of one of his best players, which will undoubtedly boost Arsenal.