Manchester City still have injury concerns to manage as they return to Premier League action with the title race against Arsenal intensifying
12:07, 01 May 2026Updated 12:28, 01 May 2026
Pep Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola has issued three injury updates on his Man City players
Pep Guardiola has issued injury updates on Rodri, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol as Manchester City and Arsenal remain locked in the title race going into the final weeks of the Premier League season. Arsenal returned to the top of the table last weekend, though Guardiola's side still have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners claimed a 1-0 win over Newcastle United to move three points clear of City, who were in FA Cup semi‑final action against Southampton last time out. They secured a 2-1 victory at Wembley, with Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez scoring the decisive goals.
City were without several key players in that win over Saints, and that situation may remain unchanged when they return to Premier League action against Everton on Monday (May 4).
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Speaking in his pre‑match press conference, Guardiola revealed that Rodri is edging closer to a return.
"He's getting better, still he didn't train with us, so we will see in the next days," the City boss said. "Always I'm confident," he added when asked if Rodri could return against Everton.
However, Dias is yet to rejoin the squad. "He's not yet with the team, but he's getting better," Guardiola added.
"Him, Josko [Gvardiol], and Rodri. They're better."
Before City's clash at Everton, Arsenal will host Fulham on Saturday evening, and Guardiola admitted he may watch 'some' of the match after his team's training session.
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By then, the Gunners will have played two more games than City, though the Catalan boss dismissed that, saying: "It's normal, it's the schedule.
"Sometimes you play first, sometimes you play later, that's just how it is."
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Arsenal, meanwhile, are also dealing with injury issues of their own. Kai Havertz missed the 1-1 Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid after receiving treatment on the pitch before being withdrawn against Newcastle United.
Jurrien Timber was also absent from the squad in Madrid, with Mikel Arteta refusing to put a timeframe on his return. While Mikel Merino may feature before the season ends, Arteta has been guarded about setting any timeline for his comeback.
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