David Silva fitness update ahead of Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Will he play? – City Watch

City Watch

Manchester City could be without David Silva for today’s Premier League opener against Arsenal, with the player not quite 100% fit yet.

According to Jose Alvarez, City’s medical staff have determined that El Mago is fit to play, but not in peak condition, and with the in-form Bernardo Silva and teenage prodigy Phil Foden available, Pep Guardiola may not risk the Spaniard from the start against Arsenal.

The medical staff took the decission yesterday in the morning about David Silva. He was agree. He is okay and he could play minutes but is not 100% and having Bernardo, Foden..it is not necessary to risk. Too soon for doing it. But if it were a important play sure he would play.

— Jose Alvarez Haya (@10JoseAlvarez) August 12, 2018

City have a wealth of options in the advanced midfield roles, with Kevin De Bruyne also passed fit to play today, despite only returning to training on Monday along with Raheem Sterling.

David Silva had a much interrupted 2017-18 season due to the premature birth of his son Mateo, who was seriously ill before pulling through, and Guardiola has said he may use the 32-year-old more sparingly this season to get the best out of him.

That will lead to more opportunities for Bernardo, who looks set for a big season, and homegrown boy Foden who Guardiola now considers a full member of his first team squad. One of those two could partner Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho in the midfield today when City face Unai Emery’s Arsenal.

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arsenal vs. city, david silva