Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss Manchester City's title showdown with Arsenal – but his injury is not understood to rule him out long-term.
De Bruyne suffered what appeared to be a groin injury just before half-time in City's 0-0 Champions League opener against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The City playmaker needed treatment from City's medical staff and did not emerge for the second-half, with boss Pep Guardiola claiming it was too early to assess the extent of the issue.
But De Bruyne is understood to be a major doubt for Sunday's clash with Mikel Arteta's side, with City unwilling to risk playing him and potentially losing him for even longer.
The stalemate with Inter was De Bruyne's fifth successive start for City this season, with the 33-year-old having also played twice for Belgium during the recent international break.
Ilkay Gundogan replaced De Bruyne on Wednesday and is likely to do the same against Arsenal, with Phil Foden also in the frame to start after returning from illness against Inter.
Guardiola suggested that he was planning on taking his captain off, even before he picked up the knock to force his hand. "I didn't speak with the doctors yet. I will have more info tomorrow," he said.
"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."
De Bruyne is into the final year of his City contract and this could be his last season at the Etihad, with the lucrative Saudi Pro League his likely destination next summer should he leave.
His absence means both Arsenal and City are set to be without their midfield talisman for a game that will put an early stamp on the Premier League title race. But while De Bruyne's injury isn't expected to be a long-term one, Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard is facing a significant chunk of time on the sidelines.
Odegaard picked up an ankle ligament injury while on international duty with Norway and is now set to miss as many as 12 MATCHES in all competitions. Mirror Sport understands he is targeting a return to action at the end of November.
yiecimrstu
0
We want the full squad
[image]
nothing
Kunlespur2
0
They Can just play Rodri, FODEN, and Gundogan and Things Go Bad For Arsenal
In fact KDB might not be missed.
Kunlespur2
0
They Can just play Rodri, FODEN, and Gundogan and Things Go Bad For Arsenal
Yea mate City got strong team depth.
peaceofmind
0
We want the full squad
Zuddprstu
1
thank God city will surely propel
bidcepst
0
I don't care if de bruyne miss the match or not , the most important thing is that I don't want to see grealish in that starting lineup
Beablmpsty
0
good news for arsenal. this guy always score against arsenal
truthisbitter
0
Inter have become nemesis to Kevin, anytime he played against he get injured!
Wapbilopyz
0
haha...what a good news...he deserves that...
Baller⚽️1
0
Can't you read ni???
Can’t you read too it says he’s set to miss meaning is not confirmed, besides this is not news coming from the city medical team
maoeiknrsu
0
hahahaha ojoro council ojoro them go collect man city get ready for saka and sterling
Ubong12
0
KDB will be available for Sunday clash ......
Can't you read ni???
TopCentral
0
Now it is even, no Odegaard for Arsenal, no KDB for City. 50/50 no cheating.
They Can just play Rodri, FODEN, and Gundogan and Things Go Bad For Arsenal
Ubong12
4
Injury is never a Good-news to a Coach especially when it's a key figure like KDB & Odegaard. Wish them both Quick Quick Recovery; We'll keep pushing and fighting for him. 💔😔♥️🤧
wonbceimps
1
KDB will be available for Sunday clash ......
Kunlespur2
6
Now it is even, no Odegaard for Arsenal, no KDB for City. 50/50 no cheating.