De Bruyne, Rodri, Ake - Latest Man City injury news and return dates before Arsenal clash
Manchester City are set to face Arsenal with a significant edge in the early title race showdown. Pep Guardiola's squad not only enjoy home advantage but also benefit from an extra day of rest following their midweek Champions League commitments.
While Mikel Arteta's team travelled to Italy for a Thursday night clash against Atalanta, City played host to Inter on Wednesday. The additional travel for Arsenal, coupled with a trip to the Etihad Stadium, presents a formidable hurdle at the close of a demanding week.
Arsenal's squad has been tested by injuries and suspensions in the season's opening stages. However, they will be bolstered by the return of Declan Rice for Premier League action on Sunday, although Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Mikel Merino remain sidelined.
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Guardiola is contending with his own squad's fitness concerns. Here, MEN Sport has the latest updates on City's injury situation.
Kevin De Bruyne
Captained the side against Inter but was substituted at the interval on Wednesday and remains questionable for the match against Arsenal. "Kevin feels a little better, but not yet," Guardiola commented regarding De Bruyne's availability on Friday.
"Tomorrow [Saturday], we train, and we will see." Speaking immediately after the Inter game on Wednesday, had initially stated: "I don't know [how he is]. I didn't speak with doctors yet. I will have more info tomorrow. He was not ready to play [in the second half]."
Potential return date: Arsenal - Sunday, September 22.
Nathan Ake
Ake endured a severe setback during the Nations League encounter with Germany, being carried off on a stretcher. The Dutch defender is yet to resume training for City and, as Guardiola has said, might remain absent until the forthcoming international break.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Rodri
Returned later in the season due to his participation in Euro 2024 but managed to play the entire match against Inter in his first start for City this campaign. He's regaining match fitness, but there's an ongoing debate about the heavy burden on professional players' schedules.
Guardiola spoke out on the issue, saying, "I think if you ask any player he will say the same. It is not the opinion of me or whatever. I think it's the general opinion of the players.
"And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."
Oscar Bobb
Despite impressing in pre-season, sustained a significant injurya broken legas summer drew to a close and is now sidelined for a considerable spell. He had been tipped for a standout year with Guardiola at the helm.
Potential return date: November/December.