Why John Stones may still play for Man City against Arsenal despite Pep Guardiola update

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Arsenal are set to face Manchester City on Sunday in a huge game in the Premier League title race, and the hosts may be without some key players.

Pep Guardiola has now claimed that John Stones and Kyle Walker will both be unavailable for the match, with both players coming off injured for England during the International break.

Both players were doubtful given the nature of their injuries, but it was hinted earlier this week that Walker at least was likely to be fine. However, it now appears that both defenders, who are crucial to Man City, will miss this massive game.

Arsenal will be handed an advantage if both players are absent, but Mikel Arteta may still wish to plan as if one, or even both are available, given what has happened in the past.

Pep Guardiola claims John Stones is unavailable for Man City vs Arsenal

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed that Stones and Walker are not ready to return on Sunday.

“Kyle’s [injury is] more tough than John’s but they will be out- I don’t know for how many games,” he stated.

Walker was believed to have a muscle injury, whilst Stones’ injury appeared to be affecting his adductor, and both were withdrawn in the first halves against Brazil and Belgium, games which Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes missed through their own injury worries.

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What Pep Guardiola said about John Stones before Arsenal clash in October 2023

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Man City in October 2023 saw John Stones come off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the game.

This was a surprise to everyone, given what Guardiola said about him in his pre-match press conference at the time.

“No. He’s not ready to play. Maybe for the national team, but not us,” the Spaniard stated in October.

Stones was also an injury doubt for the clash at the Etihad in April last season, but not only did he start the game, he scored on the stroke of half time to make it 2-0 to City.

Both players may indeed be absent on Sunday, but given Guardiola’s tactics before games against Arsenal in the past, if Stones or Walker are unexpectedly in the squad, then Arteta needs to be prepared tactically to face them, given the crucial roles both play for the Champions.