Ilkay Gundogan has hit nine goals for Manchester City in 2021, including four in his last two appearances, and puts a remarkable purple patch down to added “hunger” and a more advanced role.
Mikel Arteta has vowed not to put the brakes on Bukayo Saka’s development at Arsenal despite the 19-year-old facing the threat of burnout in his second full season as a first-team regular.
Riyad Mahrez provided an assist to continue his impressive form in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League game.
What’s been said
“Nathan is back in training on the pitch alone and is closer to coming back,” the City boss told a news conference.
“And Gundo had part of training session - we’ll see tomorrow how the rest of them are.”
What other options does Guardiola have?
Kevin De Bruyne missed four weeks with a hamstring injury but came off the bench as a late substitute in the 3-1 victory over Everton.
“He can play in both positions. I said many times he is so young,” Guardiola added. “Phil just needs time to improve playing inside. When you play as a winger you have to play at one tempo and when you play inside you have to play in another one.