Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes that it is crucial that his side have their key players fit for the remainder of the season.

Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany returned to Manuel Pellegrini's squad for the 1-1 draw against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, while striker Edin Dzeko is also fit again after a spell on the sidelines.

Zabaleta told Sky Sports News: "They are really important players for our team. Obviously we need all the best players to be 100% fit because this is a crucial period for our team.

"We have a lot of big games coming up and Champions League as well. Hopefully they can stay 100 per cent fit for the upcoming games and we are looking forward to that.

"We now have Arsenal at home which is another important game for us because we need to win that before we play against Chelsea. This is what the Premier League is all about. Every game is a final. We need to stay focused on what we are doing. We are playing well and at the moment we need to win games."

The Citizens fell two points behind Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title as a result of their draw at Goodison Park.