MARTIN KEOWN: Man City will have to change how they play against Arsenal without the injured John Stones and Kyle Walker… Pep Guardiola will hope he is not left counting the cost of the international break

Manchester City have paid an expensive price during this international break in losing Kyle Walker and John Stones, because they were crucial to the way boss Pep Guardiola wanted to approach this Premier League title showdown.

For City, there might be some irritation over their involvement for England against Brazil and Belgium. 

Players are never going to be defined by what they do in a friendly for their country, whereas they will be measured by how many trophies they win at their club. But Walker and Stones deserve credit, not criticism, for wanting to represent England rather than finding a reason to withdraw to save themselves for Arsenal.

Gone are the days when I would turn up for an England friendly wondering which of Manchester United‘s players might vanish! Like in March 1998, when David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Andy Cole and more went missing for a match against Switzerland, with it transpiring Sir Alex Ferguson had told them to prioritise their treble chase!

I never turned down the chance to play for my country and I know how Walker and Stones will be feeling. In February 1999, England faced France in a friendly a week before a certain Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. 

John Stones has also been ruled out of this weekend’s showdown after picking up an injury against Belgium

Pep Guardiola and former protege Mikel Arteta will lock horns in a crucial game in the title race

United had one player who started for either side versus our six and in the 86th minute I chased after my club colleague Nicolas Anelka, felt my hamstring, and was forced to miss that huge trip to Old Trafford.

That is the risk you run with these friendlies if you are honest enough to play and now, unfortunately for Walker and Stones, they are out of Sunday’s clash.

That is a boost to Arsenal and a blow to City because of what they can bring to the team. Had Walker been available, he would have brought his pace in flying down the right flank so Phil Foden can move inside to open up the pitch with his left foot.

Likewise, Stones would have brought his intelligence in moving seamlessly from the central defence into midfield. That movement is usually the trigger for Kevin De Bruyne to push up alongside Erling Haaland, which was crucial to City beating Arsenal twice in the Premier League last season.

The game could be season-defining, but Arsenal must win every match to lift the trophy

Now, Guardiola will be forced into changing his backline which, from right to left, will most likely consist of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake. 

That is hardly a bad four to turn to and, unlike Walker, I suspect Akanji will be told to move into midfield so Arsenal do not overwhelm City there. It would be risky for that role to be given to Ake, because he will be focusing on Bukayo Saka.

Sunday could be season-defining. I suspect if Arsenal are to secure their first league title in 20 years, they will need to win every game between now and the end of the campaign, such is the strength of their competition in City and Liverpool.

That run needs to start this weekend against the defending champions, who are hoping they will not be left counting the cost of this international break.