Arsenal's Premier League title hopes may have taken a slight boost as reports have emerged that three Manchester City stars have been absent from training on Tuesday.
The Gunners currently find themselves at the top of the table, two points clear of second-placed City with a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's side. Now, our sister title the Manchester Evening News have reported that none of John Stones, Aymeric Laporte or Kevin De Bruyne were spotted in today's training session ahead of their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.
Stones has been sidelined ever since he picked up an injury during last month's 1-0 win over Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup but Laporte and De Bruyne were both in Guardiola's starting XI for Saturday's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. Neither player appeared to pick up any obvious injuries at the City Ground, although their absences from Tuesday's session may suggest they have picked up knocks prior to the game against Leipzig.
READ MORE: Arsenal star to 'decide' his future at end of season amid recent transfer exit links
Despite their place at the top of the pile, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has refused to say that his side are the favourites to lift the title, which would be the club's first for 19 years. “I don’t think we have ever been favourites, I don’t think that has changed", Arteta told PA before their 4-2 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
"Man City have been the number one candidates from day one because they have been in that position for much of the last five years. Before the season, if you had to bet on someone, put some money or your house on somebody, I think a lot of people would have done something different [than choose Arsenal].”
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