Kyle Walker and John Stones in race to be fit for Arsenal showdown
Kyle Walker and John Stones were absent from Manchester City training on Thursday as their battle to be fit for the key Premier League clash against Arsenal this weekend cranks up.
The Manchester City pair were injured on England duty in a potentially damaging international break for Pep Guardiola, who trained with first-team players including Kevin De Bruyne, who is returning from a groin problem.
Walker suffered a hamstring problem against Brazil, with Stones picking up an adductor injury against Belgium. The two injuries will be of grave concern to Guardiola ahead of facing the league leaders on Sunday.
The Man City manager is due to speak to the media on Friday, where he is expected to provide an update on injuries. De Bruyne missed the Newcastle win in the FA Cup before the international break but is hopeful of being in contention to play.
Walker had a scan immediately after the Brazil game and was sent back to City but it is understood he needed further assessment to determine the full extent of the problem. Gareth Southgate defended picking Stones for his second match in quick succession, pointing out that Erling Haaland and Nathan Ake were also picked twice for their countries during the break.
Both Walker and Stones players featured in City’s defeat at Arsenal earlier in the season and would be likely to start on Sunday if fit. Stones returned before the international break, starting four Premier League games in a row including the clash against title rivals Liverpool.
Jack Grealish was back on the bench against Newcastle after recovering from a groin problem and has trained this week along with De Bruyne and Ederson, who missed out on playing for their countries. Manu Akanji and Matheus Nunes picked up knocks during the break but are back in training.
