Man City learn De Bruyne injury fate for Arsenal clash
A report from the Mirror states that the Man City midfielder will ‘miss’ the huge Premier League clash against title rivals Arsenal in what is deemed a ‘major blow’ for Pep Guardiola.
Thankfully for Guardiola, ‘his injury is not understood to rule him out long-term’.
Appearing against the Gunners is very unlikely, though, with the Belgian a ‘major doubt’ as the Man City manager is ‘unwilling to risk playing him and potentially losing him for even longer’.
Ilkay Gundogan will likely replace De Bruyne in the City starting XI on Sunday, with Phil Foden also in contention after returning against Inter earlier this week.
Guardiola did say after the 0-0 draw that he was planning to bring off De Bruyne anyway.
“I didn’t speak with the doctors yet,” he said. “I will have more info tomorrow.
“Against a team that defended 5-3-2 and five players went to one side, they could not make contact with Rodri and you have to turn the ball quick and we needed players special for small spaces. Rico [Lewis], Phil and Gundo are the best in the pockets, in the small spaces. Phil turned and shot and Gundo was there for the two crosses.
“The way they defend, I was thinking after 35 minutes that I wanted to make this substitution. After the doctor said to me that Kevin was not ready to play but I was ready to make this substitution anyway.”
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