Arsenal have been handed a potentially significant boost in their challenge for the Premier League title, with three Manchester City stars not included in the squad to take on RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
City defeated the Gunners 3-1 last week to sit on top of the Premier League table, but lost the lead again on Saturday after Arsenal won at Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola’s side were unable to respond, drawing 1-1 at Nottingham Forest due to Chris Wood’s late equaliser for the hosts.
There were more concerns for City on Tuesday morning, when it was revealed that several players had missed training ahead of the Leipzig clash, which takes place on Wednesday.
They included defender John Stones, who has missed the last four games due to a thigh injury that he is still recovering from.
But two other key City players are also not travelling – despite starting the game against Forest.
City trio ruled out of UCL clash
As per City Xtra, Guardiola will be unable to call upon Stones, Aymeric Laporte or Kevin De Bruyne in Germany. All three players are not in the 22-man travelling squad.
Whilst Stones’s participation had looked unlikely, it was anticipated that De Bruyne and Laporte would feature until they were not spotted in pre-match training.
Guardiola is yet to comment on the news, with his press conference taking place this evening.
Laporte has been a key figure on the left side of City’s defence in recent weeks, especially when the starting XI has been named without a left-back role. The Spain international has previous experience of playing at full-back.
When De Bruyne plays, meanwhile, City are undoubtedly a more threatening side when it comes to creating chances. The Belgian has recorded 21 goal contributions in all competitions this term, despite not being an automatic starter after the World Cup.
If the trio are not back in the squad to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, it could hand Arsenal another boost in their battle to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004.
Premier League announce April fixture amendments as Arsenal learn Man City and Liverpool dates
April is set to be a very busy month for Arsenal as the Gunners look to defend their place at the top of the Premier League
Premier League announce April fixture amendments amid Man City vs Arsenal battle (Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The Premier League have announced fixture amendments and which matches have been selected for live TV broadcast between April 1 and May 1. April could be a title-defining month for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to defend his club’s place at the top of the table.
The Gunners have a game in hand and a two-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. The two sides will lock horns at the Etihad Stadium in April, but that’s not the only blockbuster fixture in the calendar for the north Londoners.
Arsenal kickstart the month by facing Leeds United on April 1, before travelling to Merseyside a week later to face Liverpool at Anfield, April 9 at 16:30 GMT — the latter will be televised by Sky Sports.
The Gunners’ tie with Jurgen Klopp’s side could still move if the Reds’ progress in the UEFA Champions League. The Champions League quarter-final first-legs are set to commence on April 11 and 12 before the second-legs on April 18 and 19.
But, first, Liverpool must overcome Real Madrid in the round of 16. On April 16, Arsenal will face West Ham at the London Stadium, broadcasted by Sky Sports with a 14:00 kick-off.
Arteta’s side will then face Southampton on April 21, 20:00 kick-off — again, televised by Sky Sports. But, if Arsenal are involved in the UEFA Europa League the Thursday prior then the clash will be moved to April 23, 19:00 kick-off.
The Southampton fixture could also be moved if the Saints’ reach the FA Cup semi-finals. On April 26, the Gunners face the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium, 20:00 kick-off on BT Sport.
Then, to end April, Arsenal will play Chelsea on the 29th at home, 17:30 kick-off. The London derby will be broadcasted by Sky Sports.
