Manchester City and Arsenal will both be missing their defensive giants as they prepare to meet at the Etihad Stadium in a clash that could have huge ramifications on their top four hopes.
Both Vincent Kompany and Per Mertesacker have been ruled out for Sunday’s game and leave behind a huge gap in defence for their respective teams. The Manchester City captain picked up an injury in their mid-week semi-final clash against Real Madrid, while Arsenal’s big German is out with a hamstring injury.
“From the squad that played against Norwich last Saturday, we have lost Per Mertesacker,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, according to the official club website.
“Per is out for the remaining two matches with a hamstring injury. Everyone else from last week’s squad is fit and available for selection.”
The Gunners will be looking at Brazilian center-back Gabriel Paulista to take up Mertesacker’s place alongside Laurent Koscielny. Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal will complete the back four ahead of goalkeeper Petr Cech. Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey line up in central midfield behind the attacking quartet of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi and lone striker Olivier Giroud.
Manchester City without four first-team stars
Manchester City’s injury concerns seem more pressing though, with four first team players out for the game against Arsenal.
“For the moment, we need to process a couple of players tomorrow but Pablo, Vincent, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov are all out,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to the official club website.
Manchester City have grown used to Vincent Kompany’s absence this season, as they have played more times without the Belgian than with him. Eliaquim Mangala will pair up with Nicolas Otamendi in central defence, flanked by full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, while the dependable Joe Hart plays in goal.
In central midfield, City can call upon the Brazilian duo of Fernandinho and Fernando, while Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas play in a more attacking role behind the inimitable Argentine hitman Sergio Aguero.
