Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt ahead Manchester City's FA Cup semifinal tie against Liverpool on Saturday.
The Belgian international, along with Kyle Walker, picked up knocks during their 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that the pair did not train on Friday. It will be a close call for them to feature in the semifinals at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to the press ahead of their rematch against Liverpool, Guardiola was quoted as saying the following (via ManCity.com):
“They (Walker and De Bruyne) didn't train today. We will see tomorrow. Apparently, it will be so close after what happened on Wednesday but we will see. Kevin had stitches after he had contact – it’s not a muscular injury."
If Kevin De Bruyne misses the game against the Reds, one can expect either Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan to place in his role. However, if the playmaker is fit, Guardiola will play him at some point in the game based on his recent form.
Kevin De Bruyne has been one of Manchester City's best players this season. The 30-year-old playmaker has contributed 14 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
He has already made three appearances in the FA Cup and even scored a goal against Southampton in the quarterfinals. City won 4-1 on that occasion.
Manchester City and Liverpool are both looking to end their respective seasons on a high. The winner of the tie will either face Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final later in May.
Kevin De Bruyne was the star during Manchester City's 2-2 draw against Liverpool
Liverpool and Manchester City faced one another in the league last weekend in a game which ended 2-2. Kevin De Bruyne was one of the best players on the pitch on that occasion.
The 30-year-old playmaker scored the opening goal of the game in the opening five minutes. The Belgian took a shot from outside the box which took a deflection from defender Joel Matip, giving Alisson Becker no chance to produce a save.
Manchester City and Liverpool are currently involved in yet another closely-fought title race. Following their 2-2 draw, the Reds remained second in the standings, a point behind leaders Man City. There are only seven matches remaining in the league this season.
Yahadirsuy
2
I beg klopp don't put matip with this Mach we need konate
cimcdenou
1
subs:Rahim,John,laporte, Cole, rodri,Steffen
kopcikmnps
1
City for life
phyneshots
0
Kazdeiloy
1
lukaku
Rasacektuz
0
Liv will win with DB playing tonite
Rizadkrst
7
Last Sunday, I watched KDB serve Liverpool a dose of their own medicine, "gen gen pressing". Pep pushed him up field to unsettle Fabinho, Thiago and our defence and he did that well.I wonder why he doesn't get nominated for Balon d'or.
Veseklrstz
2
more than other teams my team is man city , Man City have more goals
Rizadkrst
5
At Barcelona Pep had Messi as his most destructive player, at Mancity it's KDB.
soldierzway
2
De bruyne will start
Mariakanibarracks
0
it's painful not to see him play tonight
That comes from the mouth not heart[Crylaugh]
booceimnuz
1
it's painful not to see him play tonight
Veseklrstz
0
how many goals to man city
Man City is top than others team man city is a difficult team
Veseklrstz
2
how many goals to man city