8 key Man City players that won’t play against Arsenal

The World Cup is over and the Premier League is about to start in few weeks’ time. Clubs are having their players back to the squad for preseason to get them in good shape for the start of a new season. Not all clubs will however be able to have their players back early due to the world cup engagement. Manchester City is one that will suffer that fate.

The Citizens have several of their first team players advance in the tournament and this means that they will have to be given an extended break if they want them to resume fully fit and ready for the season.

The players that were eliminated in the group stage and the round of 16 are expected to resume early enough to the team so as to meet the premier league kick off. Players also fighting for their place in the team also sees this as opportunity to usurp the regular starters if they can convince the manager during their match against Arsenal.

 

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The likes of David Silva, Aguero and Otamendi whose teams were knocked out early on in the tournament will be able to make it for the opening match. Going further in the tournament will mean that an extended break for the players involve.

Players like Gabriel Jesus, Fenandinho and Ederson of Brazil, whose country got knocked out in the quarter finals, might be doubtful for the future at the Emirates as they are likely to be given extended breaks.

Getting to the semifinals means that the team will play either in the finals or the third place fixture, which invariably mean seven games for player and his team. City players in Belgium, England and France fall into this category.

The likes of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling, who are regular starters for England are definitely going to miss this match. Kelvin de Bruyne was also key for Belgium and will be taking a rest for the Arsenal game. Benjamin Mendy, who was part of the French squad but didn’t get to be part of the first team players, is likely to return for preseason anytime soon.

These superstars missing the Arsenal game gives the gunners the extra advantage as most of the team members have resume training long before every one. They are in good condition and are match fit to take on the defending champion.

It will be interesting to see if Unai Emery will be able to take advantage of this and have his first win in England and first victory over Pep Guadiola of City.