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Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Holland

Arsenal handed major title boost after Pep Guardiola forced into Man City decision at Fulham

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their Premier League title ambitions with the omission of Kevin De Bruyne in Manchester City's clash at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's men can go above the Gunners at the top of the table with a win at Craven Cottage today after trimming the gap on Wednesday night. The reigning champions eased past the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium 4-1 to cut the gap from five points to only two.

Mikel Arteta's side are not in action until Tuesday evening when they face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, meaning the title race could take yet another twist on Sunday.

READ MORE: Arsenal target 'next Luka Modric' transfer but Liverpool hold crucial advantage

Man City were handed a pre-match blow, however, when the starting XI was announced at 1pm. De Bruyne - who scored twice and created another against Arsenal on Wednesday - was nowhere to be seen after not travelling with the squad to the capital.

Speaking before the game to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: "He doesn't feel good. He has some injury and he could not travel."

Asked if he had a timeframe of the playmaker's absence, the Spaniard said: "No. I don't know."

In his place, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez starts alongside Erling Haaland in City's attack.

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