Pep Guardiola gives Nico O'Reilly injury update for Arsenal clash amid Man City blow

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Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City starlet Nico O'Reilly will be fit to face Arsenal in this weekend's crucial Premier League clash. The country has been eagerly anticipating the potential title decider against the Gunners this weekend.

With Arsenal recently faltering, the Cityzens are the narrow favourites heading into the contest at the Etihad Stadium. However, the Catalan will not have his full squad, as experienced central defender Ruben Dias will miss the clash with injury.

He was absent from the recent 3-0 away victory over Chelsea after picking up a hamstring injury before the match. While Guardiola and City fans will be disappointed to not have Dias, they will be thrilled O'Reilly has recovered from his knock.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of City's most important players this season. As well as impressing with his defensive performances, he has also contributed many vital goals.

Most significantly, he scored a surprising brace against this weekend's opponents in the League Cup final and also headed in the first goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. When asked about his side's injuries, Guardiola said: "Ruben is not ready and Nico is fine."

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O'Reilly's performances have enticed the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has called him up to his last two Three Lions squads. The ex-Chelsea boss even said O'Reilly had a 'fantastic' England debut when he was deployed in the 2-0 home victory over Serbia.

However, no one has spoken as highly of O'Reilly than Guardiola himself. In February, when O'Reilly was handed the man of the match in City's 2-1 away victory over Newcastle , Guardiola said: "He’s played full back, played holding midfielder when Rodri was not there, now he’s in his position.

"I know the pace he has. What a player. He has made an incredible step up and he has had a lot of minutes. But he deserves it."

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Guardiola will be hoping for a similarly decisive performance from O'Reilly. City are six points behind Arsenal but also have a crucial game in hand over the north Londoners.

O'Reilly's presence may be particularly crucial, given City's mass of injuries in their defensive line. As well as Dias, who has been out for a month with an ankle injury, they are still without Josko Gvardiol.

The Croatian international has been out since he broke his leg in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea back in January. John Stones is also understood to be out with a calf injury. That means January transfer signing Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov will likely lead the Cityzens' back four against the Gunners.