Manchester City are facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne, after the influential midfielder was forced off during their Champions League draw against Inter Milan. The timing couldn’t be worse, with City set for a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday—a match that could play a pivotal role in determining the league title’s destination. De Bruyne’s withdrawal at half-time, coupled with his absence in the second half, has sparked concern among fans and teammates alike.
Pep Guardiola admitted after the game that he was unsure about the extent of the injury. “I didn’t speak with the doctors yet,” Guardiola explained. “I’ll have more information tomorrow.” He also hinted that De Bruyne may have been taken off even if fit due to tactical reasons. However, the Belgian star’s failure to return for the second half suggests the issue might be more serious. City, fortunately, have an extra day to recover and prepare for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s side will only return from their Champions League match against Atalanta on Thursday.
De Bruyne’s Injury Woes
De Bruyne‘s injury occurred late in the first half against Inter Milan. After darting into the penalty box, his attempted cross was blocked by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who made contact with De Bruyne in the process. The Belgian midfielder initially tried to walk off the knock but collapsed shortly after, requiring medical attention. With De Bruyne unable to continue, Phil Foden came on to replace him at the break.
Guardiola reflected on the decision: “I was already considering a substitution after 35 minutes, but once the doctor told me Kevin wasn’t fit, it made the decision easier.” The City boss is expected to provide a more detailed update on De Bruyne’s condition during his press conference on Friday.
Other Concerns for Manchester City
City are also monitoring the fitness of winger Savinho, who was substituted at half-time in the same game against Inter. The Brazilian youngster had experienced cramp during the previous match against Brentford, though Guardiola clarified that this substitution was more tactical. “I wanted players like Foden and Gundogan in tighter spaces,” he said, emphasizing that the decision was not necessarily injury-related.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake continues to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained during international duty and is ruled out until after the next international break. Likewise, Oscar Bobb, who fractured his leg earlier in the season, is not expected back before December.
Arsenal’s Injury Setbacks
Arsenal, too, are grappling with injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash. Captain Martin Odegaard, a linchpin in the Gunners’ midfield, is set to miss several weeks after picking up an ankle ligament injury while on international duty. Although Mikel Arteta had kept details vague prior to the North London derby, he confirmed this week that Odegaard’s injury was “significant.”
Arteta shared his disappointment: “The scans showed damage to one of the ligaments in his ankle. We’re going to lose him for a while, which is a big blow. He’s our captain, a vital part of how we play and behave. This will be a real test for the team.”
Arsenal also have concerns over other key players. Oleksandr Zinchenko is battling a calf issue, while new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury he sustained during his first training session with the club. Additionally, defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain long-term absentees, leaving Arteta with a thinner squad as they prepare for both Atalanta and Manchester City.
Title Race Implications
The mounting injuries on both sides add an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s contest, which could heavily influence the Premier League title race. Both teams will be hoping for quick recoveries, but as things stand, the availability of star players like De Bruyne and Odegaard could very well dictate the balance of power in this tightly contested battle.
