De Bruyne, Stones, Rodri - Man City injury and availability news vs Arsenal plus return dates

Manchester City will be without three important players for their Premier League clash with title rivals Arsenal - but there is light at the end of the tunnel for Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne picked up an injury (hamstring) in the first league game of the season against Burnley and the Belgium playmaker has yet to return to training. However, during his press conference ahead of the Arsenal meeting, Pep Guardiola did offer some welcome encouragement regarding the City talisman.

Guardiola suggested the Belgium captain might be back "sooner" than initially predicted. But the Catalan was not able to map out an exact time frame for the 31-year-old midfielder to return to his club's plans.

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Aside from their long-term absentee, City will be without John Stones (muscular) and banned midfielder Rodri for the game with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). Here's our latest round-up from the treatment room, including possible return dates for De Bruyne, Stones and suspended Rodri.

Injury: Hamstring

Return date: TBC

What Guardiola has said: "[He] comes in different timings, before training for his treatment or after training. At training, the guys who are going to train need the attention from our backroom staff and physios. I see him every day, he's getting better, his mood is good. Hopefully sooner than we expect he will come back."

Injury: Muscular

Return date: October 21 vs Brighton

What Guardiola has said: "Stones is not ready to play. Maybe for the national team, but not us."

Injury: n/a (suspended)

Return date: October 21 vs Brighton

What Guardiola has said: "