Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure whether Kevin De Bruyne will be fit for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
After starting Man City’s first four Premier League matches, De Bruyne kept his place in the side for Wednesday’s Champions League home meeting with Inter Milan.
However, De Bruyne was replaced by Ilkay Gundogan at half time after he suffered an apparent groin issue in the first period at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League champions went on to play out an underwhelming goalless draw in a rematch of the 2022-23 Champions League final.
Guardiola provides De Bruyne injury update
While they may have been frustrated with the result, Man City’s main disappointment would have been to see De Bruyne pick up an injury issue just days away from a crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
Speaking after the goalless affair, Guardiola was asked by reporters whether De Bruyne would be available for Sunday’s home clash.
“I don’t know,” Guardiola replied. “I will have more info tomorrow [Thursday]. The doctor said to me he was not ready to play [in the second half].”
The Man City boss now faces a nervous wait to find out whether he will be forced into at least one change for the weekend.
De Bruyne’s history with the Gunners
Man City will be desperate for De Bruyne to be involved on Sunday, especially as he boasts an impressive record against Arsenal.
The Belgium international has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 15 Premier League meetings with the Gunners.
However, the 33-year-old has been forced to miss three of the previous eight top-flight matches against Arsenal due to injury.
With De Bruyne a doubt, there is a possibility that both Arsenal and Man City could be without a key member of their squad for the highly-anticipated fixture.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows he will already be without Martin Odegaard’s services after the Norwegian sustained a “significant” ankle injury on international duty.
