Arsenal learn injury blow which will benefit Man City in next Premier League title test

Arsenal slipped up against Brentford in the Premier League title race, with Manchester City closing the gap to four points

Arsenal have learned that Bruno Guimaraes will be unavailable for Newcastle United's Premier League match against Manchester City next weekend, a key fixture in the title race. The Brazil star picked up a hamstring injury in Newcastle's 2-1 win at Tottenham earlier this week, and there have been suggestions he could be out until after the March international break.

ESPN Brazil have shed more light on the situation, with the national team set to play two friendlies next month that Guimaraes would likely have been called up for. It's reported that the midfielder will be sidelined for 'at least two months' with a reported posterior muscle injury in his left thigh.

It's also noted that he will be travelling to Brazil soon to receive treatment from national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, with the Selecao closely monitoring his recovery. Guimaraes will be a huge miss for Newcastle, who travel to the Etihad Stadium next Saturday (February 21) looking to build momentum after their win at Spurs on Tuesday.

In Newcastle's last 10 meetings with City, they have recorded two wins, one draw and seven defeats.

Guimaraes has proven to be an influential player for Eddie Howe's side, with the Magpies yet to win a game in his absence. "He is a pivotal player," Howe previously acknowledged.

"He's been the match-winner for us so many times over the years. He's an inspirational figure so we need him, but of course we need him fit and available and able to perform to his best level.

"We'll try and make all the calculations and come up with the right decision."

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Besides the Brazilian midfielder, Howe is dealing with an extensive injury list, with Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar all sidelined.

City, meanwhile, closed the gap to Arsenal to just four points after their 3-0 home win against Fulham. Mikel Arteta's side, on the other hand, were held to a 1–1 draw at Brentford on Thursday.

After Sunday's FA Cup match against Wigan, the Gunners are away at rock‑bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers next Wednesday, before the north London derby against Spurs on Sunday (February 22).

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