Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and John Stones ruled out of critical Premier League clash with Arsenal through injury

Manchester City will be without Kyle Walker and John Stones for this weekend’s huge Premier League clash against Arsenal.

The England duo both picked up injuries while on international duty.

City captain Walker started the Wembley friendly against Brazil but suffered a hamstring problem during the match and returned to his club for treatment.

Stones lasted just nine minutes during England’s second friendly of the camp against Belgium, before limping off with a leg muscle injury.

He was one of only five players to play the entire game against Brazil and also be selected by England manager Gareth Southgate to play again against Belgium.

Asked how he feels about the decision of Southgate to pick Stones twice, City boss Pep Guardiola said: "I haven't got any comments about that".

The England boss defended his decision to play Stones in back-to-back games despite the uncompetitive nature of the fixtures.

He said: "We measure everything and the first game for him wasn’t a game that was a high level in terms of the intensity.”

Guardiola has revealed Walker’s injury is worse than Stones’, but he doesn’t know how many games the full-back will miss.

City have been boosted, however, by goalkeeper Ederson being “much better” and he could be fit to play against their title rivals at the Etihad Stadium.

The Brazilian picked up a knock in City’s draw with Liverpool earlier in March.

Defender Manuel Akanji had also been an injury concern, but the Swiss international is available.

Defending champions City are third in the table as the Premier League run-in begins - one point behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

Arsenal top the table on goal difference.

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