Manchester City have fallen behind in the Premier League title race after a 0-0 draw against Arsenal. Manager Pep Guardiola is not happy at all, with his side in third position, three points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal are also ahead by one point in the second position. With nine games left in the league campaign, City will have to ensure they win each and every game to win the trophy. However, things aren’t looking good for the Citizens ahead of their next clash against Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola excludes Ederson, Kyle Walker, Nathan Aké for next match
Manchester City are experiencing a number of absences in their squad, with a lot of key players out through injury. Ahead of the game against Aston Villa, the manager Pep Guardiola spoke about his squad.
When asked if they can see Ederson, Kyle Walker, and John Stones in the next match, he responded negatively. “I don’t think so (any of them will be fit). John (Stones), maybe. The other two no chance.”
Guardiola also confirmed that Nathan Ake will also be absent for the next games, “He is injured… Hopefully, he will be back soon. I don’t know exactly the timing. Next games he won’t be ready.”
🚨🔵 Ederson, Kyle Walker, Nathan Aké will be out for Manchester City vs Aston Villa.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 2, 2024
John Stones can “maybe” return, says Pep Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/ZoWR5eYLtn
Ederson had picked up an injury during their 1-1 draw against Liverpool earlier, but is expected to return in the next week hopefully. Kyle Walker is also expected to return after the next week after previously picking up an injury in the international break for England against Brazil.
Nathan Ake was forced to go off the pitch during the clash against Arsenal, and it is expected he will come back before the end of the month. The fact that City will not have all three key players against a very good side in Aston Villa is concerning, and Guardiola will have to carefully assess his options.
Will John Stones play in Man City vs Aston Villa?
John Stones was also injured after the friendly game for England against Brazil, and was expected to miss the next games for City. But he was unexpectedly included in the squad against Arsenal, though only as an unused substitute.
John Stones has missed many games for City this season, with injuries hitting him hard. He has only played 37% of all minutes possible, a stark difference to last season when he was a very crucial player.
Whether Stones plays against Aston Villa is up to Pep Guardiola, but he may not want to rush him considering his injury record this season. There is a chance he may not start but come on as a substitute.
The game against Aston Villa is crucial and will also be very difficult. Pep Guardiola will have to carefully plan his team as his side takes on Villa tomorrow night at the Etihad.
