Kevin De Bruyne is set to be assessed ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal after sustaining an injury in their goalless Champions League draw with Inter Milan.
The 33-year-old Belgium international was forced off in the first half after appearing to be injured during a run-in in the first half, where he was challenged by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Despite receiving treatment, De Bruyne continued to play until the end of the first half but did not return in the second half.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted there is uncertainty over De Bruyne’s fitness for the weekend.
“I don’t know (what the problem is),” Guardiola said, adding: “I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. We will evaluate it tonight, maybe tomorrow. I will have more information tomorrow.”
Sunday’s match against Arsenal will be a sufficient test for Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta’s side sitting second in the table, just two points behind them, having finished second behind them in the last two seasons.
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In addition to De Bruyne’s likely absence, City have yet to see several key players return to full fitness. Rodri made his first appearance of the season against Inter, while Phil Foden, who came on as a second-half substitute, has yet to play a full 90 minutes this season. Kyle Walker did not feature in midweek and Ilkay Gundogan has started just once so far this season, in City’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday. Defender Nathan Ake is expected to miss the next international break with a muscle injury.
Despite the draw against Inter, Guardiola remained optimistic about his team’s performance.
“We faced a very difficult team, the Italian champions. A first-class team in all areas,” he added.
“I am really satisfied with the game we played. I liked everything about my team today, everything.
“We would have preferred to win, we still have seven games to go, we will see what happens.”
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