Zabaleta (calf) is out for Sunday's match against Arsenal.

Zabaleta was expected to miss three weeks and with less than two remaining in the Premier League season, it appears as if he's done for the season. Stripped of their most experienced players as the back—Zabaleta on the right, Aleksander Kolarov on the left and Vincent Kompany in the middle—City will need to rely on their depth to carry them to the Champions League next season as they sit just four points ahead of United for that final spot.

Zabaleta announced Tuesday that his calf injury is likely to keep him out for three weeks.

Zabaleta's absence will keep him from playing in the final matches of the Premier League season, with a small possibility that he could make the Champions League final, if Man City advance past Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Zabaleta has been ruled out for Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid because of a knock.

With Bacary Sagna fit, Zabaleta was unlikely to get a start anyway.

Zabaleta tallied an assist and kept a clean sheet in Saturday's 4-0 victory over Stoke City.

Zabaleta, once again chosen over a now-fit Bacary Sagna, was by far the star of the team's defense. Stifling to Marko Arnautovic when tracking back and incisive when moving forward, Zabaleta's form merits a more permanent spot in the starting XI. The assist was his first of the season and he's not often much on moving forward; however, he does have the ability to cross the ball into the box with aplomb when given time and space.

Zabaleta said that he is considering his future with Manchester City and expects to have discussions with team management this summer before he leaves for international duty, reports Sky Sports.

The defender has been with City for the last eight years, but has had to fight for playing time alongside Bacary Sagna recently. He also said that the managerial changes at the club could be an influence on his decision. Zabaleta has one year remaining on his current contract.

Zabaleta kept a clean sheet and was issued a yellow card in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Chelsea.

Zabaleta, making his third consecutive start at right back over Bacary Sagna in the Premier League, has seen only one goal allowed on his watch. The 31-year-old has seen this season mostly lost to injury and ineffectiveness, but has shown that he can still be a strong contributor against lighter-scoring teams. With a crowded fixture period, look for Zabaleta to continue to see starts; however, it will be hard to predict with what kind of frequency.

Zabaleta made one cross and six tackles en route to a clean sheet in the Saturday's 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

Zabaleta has been involved in action a lot more of late with 33-year-old Bacary Sagna in need of rest occasionally in a heavy schedule period, despite that, however the former is still not much of a fantasy factor with no goals or assists in eight Premier League appearances and City's far from a stellar defensive form. He may be back to the bench as early as next week when the Citizens are hosting the Baggies.