Premier League leaders Man City dealt blow ahead of Everton trip

Manchester City may have had a relatively slow start to this Premier League season by their own usually ruthless standards, but the Citizens now sit pretty at the top of the table having won their last 11 games on the bounce. 

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been at the heart of City’s scintillating form, scoring 11 goals in 12 games, including a brace as they brushed Tottenham aside last week.

Seven points clear with a game in hand, City look almost certain to go on and secure their fifth Premier League title and, if Gundogan can continue his fine form, he may be a shout for the PFA Player of the Year award.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side will be without their in-form German midfielder for their game against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.

Gundogan left the field holding his groin against Tottenham, and Guardiola has revealed that the midfielder hasn’t travelled for the match against Everton.

“Gundogan is much better, but the Everton match might be too soon,” the Spaniard said.

“I don’t think he will be out for long, he feels really good but he didn’t travel because we didn’t want to take a risk.

“Maybe if it was a final or something special, maybe we’d have taken a risk. It’s not a big issue.”

City will be boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne on Wednesday evening, with Guardiola also revealing the the Belgian, who has been out injured since the middle of January.

Calvert-Lewin has scored 13 Premier League goals this season

Everton, meanwhile, sit seventh in the table despite taking just a single point from their previous four home games.

The Toffees will also be without key players for the game, as manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the game.

“We hope that it’s only a matter of days that he is out for. We hope that he will be available for Saturday,” Ancelotti said.

Victory for the visitors on Wednesday will see them extend their lead at the top to 10 points, whilst a home victory would see Everton move level with Merseyside rivals Liverpool.