Man City Team News: Guardiola Confirms Major Double Fitness Boost Ahead Of Arsenal

Premier League football returns this weekend and Manchester City begin the defence of their title with a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and the new boss has offered a full team news and injury update ahead of the game.

Guardiola was pleased to confirm a major double injury boost with the news that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are both available for selection this weekend.

Sterling only began his pre-season preparations on Monday after enjoying an extended break following his participation at the World Cup where he helped England reach the semi-finals before their defeat to Croatia.

De Bruyne also played a key role for Belgium en route to the last four before they lost to eventual winners France and the midfielder also only started his pre-season preparations earlier this week.

However, Guardiola says the pair arrived back from their holiday’s in great condition and will therefore be available for selection against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Guardiola told reporters:

Guardiola says Sterling and KDB are available for Sunday, after only returning on Monday. "Sterling after 4/5 days is fit, he's not a big guy, he's sharp. Kevin arrived in perfect condition."

— Sam Lee (@Sammy_Goal) August 10, 2018

City will make late checks on Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy after they picked up knocks during the Community Shield win over Chelsea last weekend but both players are expected to be passed fit.

David Silva missed the Chelsea game with an ankle injury so he’s a doubt this weekend but Bernado Silva has performed well in pre-season so should keep his place in midfield against the Gunners.

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