Following Phil Foden's return to training earlier this week it emerged that Manchester City currently have no first team injuries to contend with.
A fully fit squad could not come at a much better time for Pep Guardiola, as they prepare for an intense Premier League run-in, a highly likely Champions League semi-final, and a place in the FA Cup last four. While Arsenal remain in only one competition, injuries are certainly hitting Mikel Arteta's side harder at present.
The Gunners have been without William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu for over a month, while Mohamed Elneny is a long-term absentee. On the face of it, three injuries does not sound too damaging, but the absence of Saliba in particular is seriously harming Arsenal's push for the title, as they have squandered two-goal leads in each of their last two matches.
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That said, it is the quality of City's squad depth that Arsenal will have to overcome if they are to lift the title. If City were lose to one of their starting centre-backs due to injury, they would have a world class replacement ready to come in.
But perhaps the reason they don't currently have any injuries to contend with is because the size and quality of their squad allows Guardiola to rotate regularly. Arteta has made just 28 changes to his starting XI during the course of the season, with Guardiola having made well over double that at 71.
Arsenal (eight) also have double the amount of players to have started 25+ Premier League games this season than City (four). Three of those are defenders, with none of City's backline having started more than 25 matches.
All of which should give City the advantage in the title run-in but with possible concerns regarding consistency and fluidity if starting line-ups are constantly changed, maybe Arteta and the Gunners have the upper hand after all.
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