Arsenal and Manchester City are set to do battle next week in a crucial Premier League clash that has major ramifications on this season's title race.
The north London outfit currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, although City have a game in hand on their title rivals. The Gunners welcome Southampton to the Emirates Stadium this Friday, hoping to get back to winning ways after drawing their last two games 2-2, giving up two-goal advantages in both of those outings.
After taking on the Saints, they will travel up north to the Etihad for a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash against the Citizens, who look set to be without defender Nathan Ake for the potential title decider. Ake picked up what appeared to be a hamstring problem during Wednesday night's 1-1 draw against Bayern in the UEFA Champions League before being forced off for Aymeric Laporte in the second half.
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Taking to Twitter to discuss the Dutchman's issue, injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar said: "Nathan Ake right hamstring injury. Timeline depends the severity & location of injury (near tendon typically longer).
"Typically grade 1 is 1-2 weeks, grade 2 is 3-6 weeks & grade 3 is 10+ weeks depending on surgery or not. Higher risk for high pace players/positions. #mci."
Of course, we will need to wait for further tests to confirm just how long Ake will be sidelined for but if he is to miss the match and against Arsenal, as well as subsequent fixtures, it will be a huge blow to Guardiola considering how much better his side has looked with the ex-Chelsea star in the starting lineup this season. The 28-year-old earned the praise of former City striker Shaun Goater for his stellar display against the Gunners during January's FA Cup win at the Etihad.
Speaking about Ake on City's Matchday Live show, Goater said: "He was brilliant how he played and in keeping (Bukayo) Saka quiet. It was a real man-of-the-match performance.
"He was absolutely brilliant again on Friday and it was capped with that great finish."
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