(Football news) In the 15th minute, Ake nearly opened the score for the home team when he flicked a header into David Raya’s arms from close range. This was his 20th Premier League start of the season.

But that would be the last the Dutchman would contribute, as he hobbled off with what looked like a calf issue shortly before the half-hour mark.

Due to injuries sustained by Kyle Walker and John Stones, two important defenders for Man City earlier this month while playing for England on the international stage, Man City was already lacking two of their best players. 

While Walker was not involved in the matchday squad, Stones was surprisingly named on the substitutes’ bench – albeit not called upon to play against Arsenal – just over 24 hours after Guardiola ruled the defender out of Sunday’s contest.

Guardiola has since revealed that his Manchester City side will have to find a way to cope without the presence of Ake, who is facing a longer spell on the sidelines than both Stones and Walker.

Guardiola said: “It is what it is. [He] played two games this week [including] with the national team in Holland.

“John will be better soon, I think. Kyle will be longer, now Nathan will be longer.

“Rico [Lewis] played exceptionally well (after coming on as Ake’s replacement) and we have other guys. We will do it with the guys that we have.”

Manchester City were also without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson for their showdown with Arsenal, with the Brazilian yet to fully recover from a muscle injury sustained in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool before the international break.

Guardiola revealed prior to kickoff against the Gunners that Ederson “was not even close” to being considered for the match, and added: “We have Stefan [Ortega]. We rely on him incredibly.”

Ederson is therefore one of four players along with Ake, Stones and Walker who have emerged as major doubts for Manchester City’s next Premier League game at home against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

Rico Lewis may be asked to start in defense with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol, while Ortega appears to be headed for his second straight Premier League start versus Villa.

Manchester City is now one point behind the Gunners in second place in the table after only earning a point against Arsenal. Liverpool, on the other hand, has emerged as the new leaders and leads the table by three points after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at Anfield earlier on Sunday afternoon.

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