Manchester City dealt blow ahead of Arsenal clash as Manuel Akanji pulls out of Switzerland squad after picking up a knock
|Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed that Manuel Akanji has pulled out of the Switzerland squad after picking up a knock, which comes as a huge blow for Manchester City ahead of their Premier League game with Arsenal on Sunday.
The reigning champions host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium immediately after the international break but will likely do so without the 28-year-old defender.
Man City have had a couple of injury concerns and scares ahead of the potential title decider against Arsenal, with Brazil international goalkeeper Ederson already ruled out of the game, while Erling Braut Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne suffered knocks some days ago.
However, while the Norwegian and Belgian are expected to feature against the North Londoners, Akanji is a doubt as he will play no part in the international friendly against Ireland today, which would leave manager Pep Guardiola sweating on his fitness.
Arsenal head into the game top of the table after 28 games and a victory will seriously boost their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Akanji has been a key player for Man City this term, with 20 league appearances to his name so far while featuring at left-back and centre-back, and being without him on Sunday will be good news for Arsenal.
The Gunners have no injury problems to worry about despite the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes pulling out of their international squads, and manager Mikel Arteta will pray that remains the case ahead of the title run-in.
The Emirates Stadium club only lead third-placed Man City with a point, with a superior goal difference separating them from second-placed Liverpool, and the result of the match on Sunday could have a huge say on the title race.