Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury after the Manchester City midfielder was forced off during their Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
De Bruyne could still be in contention for City’s crucial Premier League match against Arsenal, despite leaving Wednesday’s game with a knock. City’s medical team advised Guardiola that De Bruyne couldn’t continue after the first half, but further assessments have left the door open for his involvement in the upcoming fixture. Guardiola remains optimistic about the Belgian’s availability.
“He’s feeling a little better today, but we haven’t trained yet, so we’ll see,” Guardiola said during a press conference ahead of the Arsenal game. “He could be [involved].”
If De Bruyne is unavailable, he would be the third City player sidelined due to injury. Oscar Bobb sustained a leg fracture just before the Premier League season kicked off, and Nathan Ake picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty in September.
On a brighter note, Guardiola confirmed that Phil Foden, who replaced De Bruyne in the Inter match, is now fit to play a full 90 minutes after struggling with fitness earlier in the season. “Every player needs a break. He played a good 45 minutes last game,” Guardiola noted.
Speaking highly of Foden, Guardiola added, “He was the best player in the league last season and can compete with the other midfielders. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as calm with his final decisions, but his intensity, pressing, and movements in tight spaces make him one of the best in the world. We’re very happy to have him back.”
