Manchester City will be without key players Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake for their crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal. Pep Guardiola confirmed that the trio remains sidelined as City look to close the six-point gap on the league leaders.
Fresh off their Champions League win over Club Brugge, City are gearing up for their first meeting with Arsenal since their heated 2-2 draw at the Etihad in September. While no new injuries have emerged, Guardiola admitted that Doku, Dias, and Ake will not travel to the Emirates.
“We continue the same,” Guardiola said when asked about potential returns.
Doku, who suffered an injury against Ipswich, has missed three consecutive games, with Guardiola admitting the Belgian could be out “for a while.”
Dias was forced off during City’s Champions League defeat to PSG with an adductor issue, and while his return date is unclear, Guardiola acknowledged that injuries have disrupted his typically consistent availability this season.
Ake, meanwhile, has struggled with fitness all season, managing just seven Premier League starts. His comeback timeline also remains uncertain.
On a more positive note, Oscar Bobb has returned to training after recovering from a leg fracture sustained in August.
However, he is more likely to make his comeback in City’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leyton Orient.
Arsenal also face injury concerns, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Ben White ruled out. Goalkeeper David Raya is a minor doubt, adding to Mikel Arteta’s selection headaches ahead of Sunday’s showdown.