Ready: See what Guardiola says about fitness update on key Man City player ahead of Arsenal clash

Ready: See what Guardiola says about fitness update on key Man City player ahead of Arsenal clash

Arsenal kick off the 2018/2019 Premier League season against the champions

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are fit for Sunday's clash against Arsenal.

Both players haven't had a pre-season due to their exploits at this summer's World Cup.

With England and Belgium meeting on the final weekend of the competition in the third-place play-off it meant they only reported for training on Monday after sitting out the 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield last weekend.

There had been some suggestions that Sterling and De Bruyne - who scored 26 Premier League goals between them last season - could miss the start of City's title defence at the Emirates Stadium.

However, it's turned out that's not case as Guardiola delivered an update on the duo on Friday afternoon.

“Sterling after 4/5 days is fit, he’s not a big guy, he’s sharp," Guardiola told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "Kevin arrived in perfect condition.”

As City were so dominant against the Blues last Sunday, it remains to be seen if Sterling and De Bruyne start against the Gunners or are left on the bench.

Summer signing Riyad Mahrez impressed in place of the England international, while highly-rated youngster Phil Foden filled in well for De Bruyne alongside Bernardo Silva in central midfield.

Guardiola will come up against compatriot Unai Emery for the first time in England as the new Gunners head coach takes charge of his first competitive game since replacing Arsene Wenger earlier in the summer.

The Spaniard doesn't have many injury concerns. Aaron Ramsey should be fit as returned to full training after missing the final two pre-season friendlies against Chelsea and Lazio, but Sead Kolasinac will miss the game with City through injury.