Pep Guardiola should consider wildcard solution to defensive woes vs Arsenal after injury blow

Redaction Simon Brett with Dan Murphy
Published on 2024-03-30 18:00:00

Manchester City’s preparations for a crucial match against Arsenal have been hindered by injuries to key players, including Kyle Walker and John Stones. Both players picked up injuries while on international duty and will be unavailable for the upcoming game. This leaves Pep Guardiola with limited options in defense, as Stones plays a vital role in transitioning from defense to midfield.

To address this defensive issue, Guardiola may consider deploying Rico Lewis at right-back instead of Manuel Akanji. Lewis has shown promise in moving into midfield positions from his right-back spot and is more composed on the ball in tight spaces. While it may be a risky move to play an inexperienced player in such a crucial match, Lewis could provide a wildcard choice to help City navigate the formidable challenge posed by Arsenal’s press.

Overall, Manchester City’s defensive woes ahead of the Arsenal match have left Guardiola with some difficult decisions to make. With key players like Walker and Stones unavailable, Guardiola may need to rely on alternative strategies to maintain City’s title hopes. Utilizing a wildcard option like Lewis could be the solution to City’s defensive problems and help them secure a crucial victory against their league rivals.

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