Huge blow for Man City as key player is ruled out for potential Premier League decider vs. Arsenal

Topics: Nathan Ake, Manchester City, Arsenal, English Premier League

The Cityzens host league leaders Arsenal in a game that could decide the Premier League title race. Unfortunately, Guardiola could be without one of his best players.

Manchester City are gearing up for a potential Premier League decider, with the Cityzens hosting current leaders Arsenal in a highly-anticipated showdown on Wednesday.

The Gunners sit five points ahead in the table but Guardiola's men have two games in hand. This means this fixture could heavily tilt the title race in one team's favor depending on who triumphs.

While a draw would still be favorable for the home side, the onus to win will be on the reigning champions of England. Unfortunately, Pep's side will have to pull this off without one of their best players.

That man is Nathan Ake, the Dutch center-back who has established himself as one of the best defenders in the league this season. The 28-year-old limped off the pitch during Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Bayern Munich in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie, with the clash against Arsenal coming too soon for the former Bournemouth ace.

It was later confirmed that Ake suffered a hamstring issue, with Guardiola revealing in his pre-match press conference that the Dutchman will play no part in this tie. This is concerning because Nathan has done something several defenders have struggled to achieve this season: keep Bukayo Saka quiet.

Pep Guardiola: "Nathan Aké won't be available vs Arsenal. Hopefully he can come back soon". #MCFC

"Back vs Real Madrid? I don't know... We will find the right player to do it, I don't have doubts. We'll play with 11". pic.twitter.com/KAp62BnMEj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 25, 2023

The City defender crossed paths with the Arsenal star twice this season, once in the league and once in the FA Cup, and on both occasions, it was the two-time Premier League winner who emerged victorious in this battle.

Ake has been a center-back for most of his career but has been turned into one of the toughest left-backs in the world by Guardiola. In his absence, Aymeric Laporte could deputize and it will be interesting to see whether the Spaniard fares well against Saka.

Victory over the Gunners will take the Cityzens within two points of Arsenal with two games in hand. A draw would still leave the title race in Manchester City's hands as they will still leapfrog the North London giants by winning their delayed fixtures. Meanwhile, a defeat would see the hosts fall eight points behind in the title race, which is not insurmountable due to the games in hand, but will be a tough hill to overcome.