Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Pep Guardiola's Key Pre-Match Presser Comments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he will await the official prognosis on Ilkay Gundogan but confirmed that he will be out "for a long time" following the injury he picked up against Watford on Wednesday. 

Per James Ducker in the Telegraph, there are fears that the German midfielder may miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Speaking ahead of City's clash with Arsenal on Sunday, Guardiola offered no specifics on Gundogan but bemoaned the player's misfortune—it is the second serious injury to his right knee he has suffered this year—per the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowksi, Robert Cottingham and Alex Porter:

"

We should wait for a statement from the club. He will be out for a [long] time but precisely what he has I think the doctors have the right person to tell what he has. It is so so difficult for him, we are sad for him. We are going to miss him a lot but it is what it is. He is unlucky, sometimes football happens.

"

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Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium is arguably a must-win for City. The Sky Blues risk dropping 10 points back from Premier League leaders Chelsea should they be beaten by the Gunners.

City's 2-0 win against Watford was their first victory in four matches and first clean sheet since October.

Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo's form has been widely questioned after some costly errors, and a recent report from Spanish outlet Don Balon suggested he wanted to return to Barcelona, per M.E.N.'s Ciaran Kelly.

However, Guardiola made assurances that the Chilean stopper is very happy in Manchester, per the Press Association's Andy Hampson:

City have not beaten Arsenal since 2013, with their last two clashes against the north London side at the Etihad returning a draw and a defeat.

Guardiola will be without Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho again as City look to break that run as the pair are still suspended.

Fabian Delph and captain Vincent Kompany are also still absent through injury, per ESPN's Ben Dinnery:

However, City still have plenty of quality in their squad and will be confident they can pick up three points and potentially even close the gap to the top of the table if Chelsea slip up at Crystal Palace.