Arsenal get Premier League title boost as Man City injury prompts transfer decision

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Josko Gvardiol was forced off during Manchester City's 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday

Manchester City fear Josko Gvardiol is set for a spell on the sidelines after being forced off in the club's frustrating draw with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

The Croatian international was replaced by Abdukodir Khusanov on 51 minutes after he suffered a blow to his knee.

Pep Guardiola later said he would wait until Monday to learn more about the issue, however, City have since wasted no time at all in recalling youngster Max Alleyne from his loan spell with Championship side Watford.

Alleyne has impressed with the Hornets in recent weeks so the fact City are prepared to cut short his productive loan in Hertfordshire seemingly indicates the severity of their defensive crisis.

Ruben Dias was also unable to complete the game due to a problem, meaning City - now six points behind Arsenal - could now be without their two first-choice central defenders.

Guardiola said post-Chelsea: “[Gvardiol] doesn’t look good. I didn’t speak with the doctor – I should know tomorrow [Monday] about them.”

He then added: “We have a lot [of injuries]. John Stones is missing for I don’t know how many months. Ruben now will be out, Josko will be out. Nathan [Ake], always we know with Nathan he cannot play regularly. It’s the situation.

“Stay strong and we will find a solution. The spirit is there and will be there. Of course I have concerns. Have you seen the bench today? Four players from the academy and now we will have more. We don’t have players.”

City have now dropped four points in the space of just four days while Arsenal have picked up precious victories over Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

It remains to be seen whether City dip into the transfer market to fix their defensive crisis but they are still expected to wrap up the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Ake has attracted interest from West Ham and Everton but City, understandably, want to keep the Dutchman even though he's been told by Ronald Koeman that he needs to play regularly to make Holland's World Cup squad.

City play seven times before the end of the month, facing Brighton, Exeter City, Newcastle (Carabao Cup), Manchester United, Bodo/Glimt, Wolves and Galatasaray.