Good news for Arsenal? Man City sweating on Kyle Walker's fitness ahead of title-race showdown with injury worse than first feared

Walker was forced off just 20 minutes into England's friendly against Brazil last week and was diagnosed with a hamstring injury. He was absent for the clash against Belgium on Tuesday and City are not sure if he will be fit to feature in the crucial league clash against league leaders Arsenal. It was originally thought the issue was not too serious, but it appears that is not the case.

Walker will have a scan on his hamstring and City see him as 50-50 to be fit for the home game against the north London side, Sky Sportsreports. The reigning European and English champions are also unsure if John Stones will be available after he sustained an injury in the match against Belgium and Manuel Akanji is a concern since he was forced to withdraw from the Switzerland squad.

The possible loss of Walker, Stones and Akanji will be a big concern for coach Pep Guardiola, who is already without goalkeeper Ederson through injury. Arsenal are level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table, but the Gunners have a better goal difference, while City sit a point behind the pair.

The title holders will hope for good news from Walker's scan as well as on the conditions of Stones and Akanji before the important clash at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. On the same day, fellow challengers Liverpool will host Brighton at Anfield.