Nico O’Reilly injury latest as Pep Guardiola issues update on Man City full-back
The full-back has been key to Manchester City’s recent form as they head into a title showdown against Arsenal
Manchester City ’s Nico O’Reilly is “fine” and will be available to face Arsenal on Sunday, Pep Guardiola has confirmed. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in his last three appearances for City, including a double in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month and the opening goal in the 3-0 win at Chelsea last weekend. However, O’Reilly was forced off on 63 minutes against Chelsea after appearing to hold his hamstring.
He chatted and laughed with Guardiola before heading down the tunnel, although he returned to the pitch at full-time to celebrate victory in front of the away supporters. City’s victory at Chelsea, combined with Arsenal’s defeat at Bournemouth last Saturday, means Guardiola’s team have the opportunity cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to three points and have the title race in their hands with victory at the Etihad. Guardiola, who confirmed City be without centre-back Ruben Dias, agreed that Sunday feels like a “final” but said the title race will be “over” if they lose to Arsenal at the Etihad and go nine points behind the Premier League leaders.
”If we lose, it is over,” Guardiola said. “The other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn't beat Bournemouth - we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, especially in our calendar.
Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home. Crystal Palace and Brentford. There are still many things to do.