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ARSENAL SUFFERS KEY ABSENCE, MAN CITY AND PEP GUARDIOLA GAINS TITLE RACE

Manchester City's title hopes receive a potential boost as Arsenal's key defender Gabriel suffers an injury while on international duty with Brazil. His absence could be crucial in the tight Premier League race.

Arsenal suffers key absence, Man City and Pep Guardiola gains Title race
Man City benefits as Arsenal update confirms key player absence - Photo Credit: PA Wire

Over the international weekend, some injury news gave Manchester City a boost in the title race.

With a 3-0 victory against champions Liverpool last time out, Manchester City maintained their title ambitions and moved within four points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's team has not won anything yet, and there are still 27 games left in this title race, including a matchup with the Gunners at the Etihad in April.

In 2022–2023—when Arsenal dominated the top flight for most of the season before losing to the eventual Treble winners—Arteta gave up the championship for the first time to Guardiola.

William Saliba's injury was a major factor in the Gunners' defeat that season, and City supporters will be hoping that the north London leaders' recent injury woes can turn the tide of their season in the Cityzens' favour once more.

As Gabriel leaves for Brazil due to injury, Arsenal loses.


When Gabriel, a crucial player for his native Brazil, was injured in the 64th minute of a friendly match against Senegal, Arsenal suffered a serious setback. The Selecao had already qualified for the World Cup. Arteta would be quite concerned if the 27-year-old were to miss time on the field because of the consequences of a friendly, but City would benefit greatly from it.

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Brazil, remarked just after the game: "Bad? I am not sure; the medical staff has to inspect his adductor tomorrow," Ancelotti told football.london. "We sincerely apologise and are very unhappy. I hope that those who sustain injuries can heal quickly."

Ancelotti's apologies suggest a recognition that Gabriel's injury might not be as serious as it seems. In the upcoming days, supporters of both City and Arsenal will be anxiously awaiting the findings of medical examinations, though obviously for different reasons. Gabriel is undoubtedly a vital member of Arsenal's formidable defence and, in both positions, one of the few players in their starting lineup that would be difficult to replace.

Gabriel, a "leader," would be much missed by the Gunners as City attempts to contend for the championship.

In recent years, Gabriel has advanced significantly, becoming an indispensable member of Arteta's team and a role model on the field. The real standout feature of his game is his contributions in both penalty areas, especially as the Gunners improve their set-piece and corner play.

On The Game Football Podcast in August, Tony Cascarino stated about Gabriel: "Well, I think, Gabriel's enormous." Due to his size, they need him back for Arsenal. Gabriel is huge for them, in my opinion, since he is that kind of captain and leader. Even though he is not the captain, he acts like one.

This could be the ideal chance for City to get a run of results to take the lead in the title race before Christmas if Gabriel is sidelined for the Gunners' important upcoming games against teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. We know from past seasons that once Guardiola's team gets a run together and is in full flow, they can be very hard to stop.

MAN CITY SET SIGHTS ON REAL MADRID TALENT JUDE BELLINGHAM IN RECORD DEAL

Manchester City are plotting an ambitious €150m move for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. The Premier League giants see the England midfielder as the ideal long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

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Real Madrid star could join Manchester City in record transfer - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Manchester City is planning a bold move for the 22-year-old, who is among the top young talents in the world. According to Fichajes, they are willing to pay €150 million to complete the acquisition. It will be intriguing to observe whether Real Madrid is willing to approve his exit.

Losing him would be disastrous for the team because he is one of their finest players. It is unlikely that the England international will be forced to leave the team. He is competing at a high level and enjoying playing football with Real Madrid. There is no reason for him to abandon them now.

To complete the transfer, Manchester City will need to persuade the player and his club. For the player, the €150 million offer is a significant sum of money, and Real Madrid might be persuaded. How things turn out is still up in the air.

Since joining the Spanish team, the midfield player has scored 41 goals and provided 29 assists. Since he is still extremely young, coaching and experience could help him get better. He has everything he needs to become the next big star. Real Madrid needs to make every effort to keep him with the team.

That being said, Manchester City would be wise to sign him. They need elite players to help them achieve their goal of returning to the top of European football. They have not been convincing this season and were not able to contend for big titles the previous season.

In the midst of the park, someone like Bellingham could have a significant impact. He will supplement with physicality, technical skill, motivation, and objectives. He can play as both an attacking midfielder and a central midfielder. As Manchester City has failed to adequately replace Kevin De Bruyne, the 22-year-old England international may be able to step in.

NICO O’REILLY STUNNED BY CHELSEA PLAYER, DESCRIBES ABILITY AS CRAZY

Man City's Nico O'Reilly names Raheem Sterling in his all-time England XI, praising the Chelsea winger's "insane" technical ability and speed, despite the 30-year-old's current struggles at Stamford Bridge.

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Nico O’Reilly hails Raheem Sterling - Photo: x.com/ManCity

This season, Nico O'Reilly has emerged as one of the Premier League's biggest stars, and he believes that one Chelsea player is among the best to represent his nation.

O'Reilly has a remarkable talent. Despite only being 20 years old, he is already vying for a starting position for England and appears to have secured the left side of defence under Pep Guardiola.

Over the past few windows, Chelsea made inquiries about signing O'Reilly, but the City manager was unwilling to let him go.

When asked for his all-time Premier League/England starting lineup, the City kid, who is now playing for his nation, was quick to name one Chelsea attacker. You could be surprised, though.

Raheem Sterling is included in Nico O'Reilly's all-time England starting lineup.


Although you might have expected O'Reilly to select Cole Palmer, a former academy teammate, he has chosen to pick a star from the previous generation.

Raheem Sterling used to be regarded as one of the greatest in his position, but these days, he is not the most popular man at Stamford Bridge.

"Right wing, I am going with Sterling," O'Reilly said in an appearance on the Man City YouTube channel. His actions at City were insane. He is also quite technical and speedy for England. He gave me some assistance when I first started training with him.

Chelsea has fired Sterling after failing to find a replacement for him throughout the summer.

The Englishman has virtually disappeared from the scene these days, and Sterling has caused Chelsea to alter their contracting practices.

Even though he is no longer a Premier League star, his heyday was spectacular. Under Guardiola, only Lionel Messi has more goal involvements.

With a weekly salary of £325,000, Sterling is by far Chelsea's most expensive player.

No matter how you look at it, it does not make financial sense for Todd Boehly to fulfil his end of the bargain and put an end to a torturous ordeal for all parties.

It is not only about the money, though. This tail-off from a player who inspired football fans for years is heartbreaking, in my opinion.

Chelsea may be able to let go of the 30-year-old in January, but he has made it clear that he wants to stay in England.

O'Reilly is correct. Although Sterling was incredibly talented for both City and Liverpool, his tenure on both sides of London has been anything but.

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