Manchester City will be without both Kyle Walker and John Stones for the top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal on Sunday evening.

The two players were missing from training on Thursday, having picked up injuries whilst away on international duty.

Walker lasted just 20 minutes in England’s friendly against Brazil last Saturday due to a tight hamstring. There was some hope that he could be available this weekend but the chances of him making the matchday squad have been dismissed by manager Pep Guardiola.

Stones, meanwhile, sustained an adductor injury during the draw versus Belgium on Thursday, and he has also been ruled out to face the Gunners.

There have been concerns about the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne (groin), Ederson (thigh), Matheus Nunes (foot) and Manuel Akanji (knock) but they have all returned to the training pitch in some capacity.

Manchester City’s Predicted XI to face Arsenal

Ederson, Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Silva, Rodri, Alvarez, Foden, Haaland, Doku

Arsenal also have injury problems, with Gabriel (Achilles), Gabriel Martinelli (foot) and Bukayo Saka (hamstring) having all withdrawn from international duty.

At the moment, it is not known which of the trio will be available for the weekend but it is hoped that at least two of them will make the matchday squad.

Jurrien Timber (ACL) is nearing his comeback after a serious injury but the Dutchman is not expected to return to play in such a high-profile game, having been out for over seven months.

Arsenal’s Predicted XI:

Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Who are the favourites at the bookmakers?

In terms of the odds, City have been backed heavily to secure the three points, with Unibet pricing them at 23/25 for the win. A draw is currently 14/5 with William Hill while a victory for the Gunners is 3/1 at Betfred.

Predicted Score – 2-1 to City