The traditional English football curtain-raiser takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester City square off with Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The Citizens capitalised on a Gunners capitulation to lift the Premier League title for the third year in a row last term, before clinching a terrific treble with their Champions League and FA Cup triumphs.
Pep Guardiola's embarked on a pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea earlier this summer, where they defeated Yokohama F. Marinos and Bayern Munich before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their most recent friendly encounter.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Man City's injury and suspension news ahead of the Community Shield clash with Arsenal, who earned their place in the match courtesy of a runners-up finish in the 2022-23 Premier League.
Kevin De Bruyne
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: August 16 (vs. Sevilla)
Kevin De Bruyne has not managed a single minute in pre-season after sustaining a reported grade three hamstring tear in June's Champions League final against Inter Milan, although he subsequently revealed that he had been struggling with the issue for a couple of months. There were fears that De Bruyne would miss the start of the season, and while Guardiola has stated that the Belgian is "so close" to returning, Sunday's game is expected to come too soon.
Nathan Ake
© Reuters
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Fatigue
Possible return date: August 6 (vs. Arsenal)
Dutch defender Nathan Ake - who was plagued by fitness problems last season - turned out for Man City in their win over Bayern before sitting out the showdown with Atletico. Guardiola confirmed that his absence was only precautionary, though, and he should be back in action this weekend.
MANCHESTER CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST
Manchester City have no suspended players for this match.
Ben Knapton
