Two Manchester City stars have been sent home from international duty early ahead of the club’s massive clash with Arsenal.
Manchester City are enjoying an incredible season and could still claim an unprecedented back-to-back treble.
Pep Guardiola’s side are firmly in the Premier League title race, the last eight of the Champions League and the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, winning the trophies will be extremely difficult, given Real Madrid await in Europe and they’ll face bogey side Chelsea at Wembley.
Despite being undefeated in 22 games now, City are still just third in the Premier League table, too.
The Blues trail leaders Arsenal and second-placed Liverpool by a point, which makes next week’s clash with the Gunners absolutely massive.
Whoever emerges victorious from the match would take the ascendency in the title race, though a draw could open the door for Liverpool to take advantage and go three clear.
It’s all on the line and Guardiola will need as much of his squad fighting fit as possible.
Two Man City players sent home early from international duty
16 of City’s squad have met up with their national teams this week for the first international break of 2024 but, thankfully, two will be returning early.
Bernardo Silva, who grabbed two assists, Matheus Nunes, who scored a fine goal, and Ruben Dias were in action on Thursday night as they helped Portugal defeat Sweden 5-2 in a friendly.
Manager Roberto Martinez revealed after the match he was sending eight players home early and not using them in Tuesday’s match against Slovenia as he aims to test different players ahead of Euro 2024.
While Nunes will remain, Bernardo and Dias have been released from the squad.
“We have eight arriving for the second game,” Martinez said, via O Jogo.
“It’s important to work on different concepts.
“Bernardo [Silva], Ruben Dias, [Joao] Palhinha, [Nelson] Semedo, Toti [Gomes], Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos are leaving.
“They are I hope that high-level players arrive, with hunger and energy.”
Great news for Pep Guardiola
With such a crucial game on the horizon, Guardiola must be delighted two of his most important players will now have more than a week of rest.
There is no suggestion from Martinez whatsoever that any of the players are injured and they have simply been sent home so he can run the rule over eight different options ahead of selecting his squad for the Euros.
The Blues boss can at least rest assured Bernardo and Dias will be refreshed and raring to go when Arsenal visit the Etihad a week on Sunday.
Nunes has remained with the squad but he impressed with a great goal and performance against Sweden and could use the minutes.