Another defensive injury for Man City! Pep Guardiola forced into early change in Arsenal clash as Nathan Ake hobbles off after 27 minutes

Manchester City suffered another injury to a key member of their backline as Nathan Ake was forced off in Sunday's clash with Arsenal.

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Ake picks up injury against ArsenalWalker, Stones and Ederson already sidelinedProblems mounting for defending championsWHAT HAPPENED?

City were hit by a fresh injury blow when Ake limped off the field just 27 minutes into the clash. The Dutchman is the latest defender to be sidelined, with Pep Guardiola already without goalkeeper Ederson and right-back Kyle Walker due to injury problems. John Stones was also expected to miss the game but was named on the bench.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ake was replaced by Rico Lewis who came on to play at right-back. Ruben Dias then partnered Manuel Akanji at centre-back. Guardiola opted not to bring on England international Stones after he limped out of the Three Lions' clash with Belgium in midweek.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ake made more accurate passes (22) than any other Arsenal player in the first half despite being forced off in the 27th minute, according to .

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

The defending Premier League champions are back in action on Wednesday against Aston Villa, but it remains to be seen if any of their injured stars will be ready to return against Unai Emery's side.