Manchester City’s John Stones and Kyle Walker injured and out against Arsenal: will they play against Real Madrid?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that both John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss out on Manchester City’s game against Arsenal in the Premier League, raising concerns about whether or not the duo will be back in time to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Catalan coach spoke ahead of Manchster City’s crunch tie with their London opponents which will take place on Sunday 31 March (KO 11:30 a.m. / 8:30 a.m. PT.). City sit third in the league, one point and two places behind Arsenal who are level with Liverpool at the top.

Both City players, who are key components in Guardiola’s system, went down injured during the recent international break. Kyle Walker pulled up with a hamstring injury in the opening stages of England’s 1-0 loss against Brazil at Wembley. Just a few days later, John Stones suffered an abductor problem barely 10 minutes into England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham scoring a late equaliser.

Will Stones and Walker play for Manchester City against Real Madrid?

It is not yet known whether the two players will be back in time to face Real Madrid in the Champions League. Guardiola did not divulge any more information on the fitness of the two injured players, simply saying that they were “out” of the game against Arsenal.

Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid will take place on April 9: the first game will be held at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu before the return leg at City’s Etihad Stadium a week later, meaning there is little time for the pair to return from injury and get back to match fitness.

The good news for City came with Ederson, about whom Guardiola said was “much, much better” after picking up a knock against Liverpool earlier this month. Guardiola also commented that De Bryune has returned to training as well.