Kolo Toure Hints at City's Title Challenge

Kolo Toure

Manchester City close in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Kolo Toure believes City can compete on all fronts this season.

“We can't hide from that and that's why every day we are working hard to make sure that...”

are gearing up for their clash against , and assistant manager has provided an update on the team's injury situation. , the talented midfielder, is still out with a and is unlikely to feature against Palace.

Toure also mentioned that is recovering from a , but he's expected to be back soon. As for , the City boss is fine, with his absence from the pre-match press conference being due to a personal matter.

City are currently second in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders , and they'll be looking to capitalize on their momentum after a thrilling 2-1 win over in the .

Guardiola Set to Return

City boss Pep Guardiola is set to return for the weekend after missing several days due to a personal issue. In his absence, assistant manager wasn't available, so Toure stepped in to speak to the media.

“Yeah Pep is fine, it's a small matter that didn't bring him here but everything is fine. He will be back (for the Palace game) for sure.”

“I think what we are doing at the moment is good because we play well. We find a way to get some results. I know the team can get better like the manager says all of the time. We are improving and growing, and that is important for us at the moment.”

Injury Updates

Rodri won't feature this weekend, and John Stones' participation is uncertain. Stones is still dealing with a thigh injury, and the team will reassess his availability when they return to training.

“It was (Stones') thigh I think. It wasn't something too big, he will be back soon.”

And on midfielder Rodri who has slowly returned to the pitch this month:

“Rodri is training really well. He is doing his rehab really well and he look sharper and sharper every day that we see him but I don't think we are going to see him for the weekend but he is the process definitely.”

Kolo 💬 (On Rodri) He’s training well and his rehab is going well. He's looking sharper and sharper.

For sure we won't see him for the weekend but he's going through the process. pic.twitter.com/blyYTmlfU8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2025

On the date players will leave for the : “If I am not mistaken, it is after our game against Crystal Palace.”

City Closing In on Arsenal

Manchester City are hot on Arsenal's heels, currently just two points behind the leaders. Kolo Toure, City's assistant manager, believes his team can put pressure on Arsenal and potentially overtake them. With a strong squad and Pep Guardiola's expertise, City are confident they can compete on all fronts this season.

Kolo 💬 (On when Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are set to leave for AFCON) The date, if [I’m] not mistaken, is after Crystal Palace on the weekend.

We will miss [them] but we are strong enough to cope in their absence. pic.twitter.com/shLH2SJ5bS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2025

Guardiola's Track Record

Guardiola's teams have a history of peaking at the right moment, and City fans will be hoping they can do so again. The manager has hinted that his team will be better in February, suggesting they're building momentum. With key players like and in top form, City have the firepower to challenge Arsenal.

Arsenal's Vulnerabilities

Some analysts point out that Arsenal have struggled in big games, which could be a concern for their title hopes. and have expressed doubts about Arsenal's ability to win crucial matches, citing their recent loss to as an example. However, Arsenal fans remain optimistic, citing their team's strong start to the season.

“When you play for City and you work for City you know that every competition is important and the target is to work hard and fight for those competitions.

“We can't hide from that and that's why every day we are working hard to make sure that we can put the team in front of us under pressure and try to keep fighting and try to win the trophy.”

Kolo 💬 Pep is fine. It’s just a small matter [that meant] we didn't bring him here. Apart from that, it's fine and he’s back for sure.

[He will] absolutely [be there for Palace]. pic.twitter.com/f9qnJ8WcqT
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 12, 2025

“We just focus on what we can do. We know the quality of Arsenal, they have a really strong squad with a fantastic manager but it's all down to us.

“We have the best manager in the world doing an incredible job every day. His passion for the game, he loves his players, he loves his staff and we know that he will take us as far as we can to win that league and for us we just focus on what we can do really.

“We cannot focus on what Arsenal is doing. Every game is like a final for us.”

Kolo Toure Hints at City's Title Challenge