Big setback for ‘Man City’ in the title race as key players face injury challenges.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed concern over a troubling ankle injury to vital defender John Stones, stating, “It doesn’t look good.” Stones had to leave the field during Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Goodison Park. This development could be a positive turn for Arsenal and Liverpool in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

Initially, it seemed Everton might assist Arsenal in the title race as they secured the lead with a goal from Jack Harrison in the first half. However, City mounted a strong comeback with three goals in the second half, narrowing the gap to three points behind Arsenal. Both teams have played the same number of games, intensifying the competition.

Liverpool is currently two points ahead of Arsenal, but Jurgen Klopp’s team has played one more game. Arsenal is set to face West Ham United on Thursday. Meanwhile, Manchester City is grappling with the potential absence of John Stones, who limped off just before halftime due to an ankle injury. Pep Guardiola expressed concern, stating, “It doesn’t look good, but we will see. It’s his ankle.” The situation adds an element of uncertainty to City’s upcoming matches.

City’s recent setback coincides with the potential return of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who has been sidelined since August due to injury. There’s hope he might be back for the upcoming weekend fixture against Sheffield United. On the flip side, Erling Haaland is expected to remain sidelined with a foot problem, presenting an opportunity for Arsenal to maintain their advantage over City.

Guardiola provided insights, saying, “He [Haaland] is training alone but not with the team yet. I’m not a doctor. He had a stress in the bone in his feet, and it’s so painful. He’s not a skinny guy like Phil Foden; he’s huge and tall, so it is more difficult sometimes. When he’s fine, he’ll be back and play, but the doctors come every morning and say which players are available. I create the team, and we play the games.”

Regarding De Bruyne, Guardiola mentioned, “Kevin is close, but he had fatigue yesterday, and we have to be careful. When he was injured for three months, if you don’t handle the timings well, you can get injured again. The injury was serious, so step by step, but he’s training with us, and he is so positive, so soon he will be back. I’d love for him to play the next game or Huddersfield, but what is important is keeping him fit for a long time, not for one game or another.”