Manchester City boosted by return of injured star ahead of Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s selection options have been boosted in the lead-up to their Premier League showdown with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The meeting at the Emirates Stadium is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the early campaign, with Manchester City chasing momentum following back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Napoli.

Pep Guardiola has faced questions in the build-up about player availability, with Rodri’s training concerns making headlines and Ruben Dias speaking about the need to focus on City’s own standards rather than Arsenal’s mind games.

Now, the sight of John Stones returning to the travelling squad offers another layer of intrigue. The centre-back has endured a stop-start last 12 months, and sustained a minor problem during City’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break.

Since withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad earlier this month ahead of a meeting with Andorra in World Cup qualification, Stones has been working his way back to fitness, with Pep Guardiola cautious not to rush him into action given his history of injuries in recent seasons.

Now, spotted arriving at Manchester Piccadilly train station with the rest of his City teammates, Stones appears to have sufficiently recovered from the muscular problem that acted as the reason for a precautionary exit from the Three Lions set-up.

The England centre-back has travelled with the Manchester City squad to North London and appears ready to play a part in Sunday afternoon’s contest at the Emirates Stadium, but perhaps only to be named among the substitutes.

While Stones’ full return to the starting XI may not be immediate, his availability could prove invaluable for Guardiola as the season develops. The defender’s versatility was central to City’s tactical flexibility during their Treble-winning campaign, and regaining that option strengthens Guardiola’s hand.

The timing of his recovery also eases pressure on the defensive unit, with Manchester City facing a packed schedule that includes UEFA Champions League league phase fixtures and further high-stakes Premier League meetings.

Should Pep Guardiola choose to ease Stones back in gradually, the England man could be in line for more minutes in the coming weeks, and perhaps a crucial role after the international break in October, providing City with an extra layer of depth.

Much will depend on Pep Guardiola’s matchday assessment, but even John Stones’ presence on the bench could be a psychological lift to the squad as they look to avenge last season’s heavy 5-1 defeat at Arsenal.