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Manchester City have received a huge injury boost ahead of this weekend's crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal this weekend.
Arsenal host Pep Guardiola’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm kick-off). City currently sit in eighth place in the table but may have had a kick start to their season with a 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United last weekend.
Arsenal, meanwhile, sit in second place. The only loss of the season so far came against Liverpool before the international break.
The Gunners were in Champions League action on Tuesday night, coming away with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club. They now have an extra two days of rest compared to their opponents, with City taking on Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night (8 p.m. kick-off).
Ahead of that game, City have been handed a big boost with the news that defender John Stones will be available. The centre-back pulled out of the England squad earlier this month due to minor discomfort after starting the first three Premier League matches; the problem also saw him miss last weekend’s Manchester derby.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Stones took part in training on Wednesday and is expected to return for the matches against Napoli and Arsenal.
Speaking about his absence, England boss Thomas Tuchel said: “I’m a big fan of John, his personality and his quality. He could be an important figure, of course, but he needs to be available.
"He wants to be available and he’s a top professional, so he is the most upset in all this because he does really everything to be fit and struggles then with these minor issues from time to time that cost him game time."
When fit, Stones is a key player for both City and England. It’s still to be seen what part he will play in the two upcoming games, including against Arsenal, but his availability will be a big boost for Guardiola.
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