John Stones and Kyle Walker were both missing from Manchester City training on Thursday, raising concerns they won’t be available to face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
City are preparing for their crucial Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium this weekend following the international break.
The treble winners know they need a result against Mikel Arteta’s side, who sit a point ahead of them at the top of the table with 10 matches remaining.
Club managers are always anxious during international breaks, especially ahead of big matches and the nightmare scenario struck, with Stones and Walker both picking up injuries while away with England.
Walker started the friendly against Brazil last week but had to be withdrawn after just 20 minutes.
He clutched his hamstring and Gareth Southgate explained after the 1-0 defeat: “He was feeling some tightness, and it was something we couldn’t take a chance on.” Walker withdrew from the squad before the Belgium game and returned to City for assessment.
Stones then suffered a similar fate in the 2-2 draw with Belgium, being forced off in the 10th minute with a thigh complaint.
He sat down and signalled to the bench immediately and was replaced by Joe Gomez.
The duo have added to City’s injury list, which could run to seven names for the Arsenal game.
Neither took part in City’s open training session on Thursday and fans will gain further insight into their status when Guardiola speaks to the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
There were some positive signs for City, with other recent absentees returning to training.
