Nine players could miss Man City vs Arsenal clash after Kevin De Bruyne injury scare

Kevin De Bruyne is Manchester City's latest injury concern after being subbed at half-time with an issue against Inter in the Champions League with Arsenal also without a number of stars

Manchester City face a nervous wait over the condition of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of their Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Last season's top two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with the possibility of nine players missing the clash through injury. De Bruyne was forced off at the halfway mark of City's goalless draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The Belgian will have an extra day to recover from his issue, compared to the Gunners, who take on Atalanta in Europe's top competition on Thursday evening. The 33-year-old midfielder is set to be assessed on Thursday, after coming into contact with goalkeeper Yann Sommer and requiring treatment from physios.

"I didn't speak with the doctors yet," said Pep Guardiola following the game. "I will have more info tomorrow.

"The way they [Inter] 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."

Savinho was also replaced after 45 minutes against the Serie A side putting his place against Arsenal into question too. Guardiola played down such fears and suggested he wanted a different type of player in his bid to break down Inter however.

The Catalan coach will continue to be without Oscar Bobb, who is still recovering from a leg fracture, and Nathan Ake. The Dutch defender is expected back next month after picking up a hamstring injury during the international break.

Arsenal are also dealing with a number of injuries and will be without Martin Odegaard for the trip to the north west. The Gunners captain was injured while playing for Denmark and now could face an extended period on the sidelines.

Arteta explained on Wednesday: "The scans showed that he’s got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. It’s something quite significant so we’re going to lose him for a while.

"He’s our captain. He’s been one of the biggest and best players in our team. Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It’s a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face."

The Spanish coach will also be without ex-Man City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukraine international is currently out of action with a calf injury.

Summer signing Mikel Merino also remains out after injuring his shoulder during his first session with the club. The Euro 2024 star has been pictured without his sling this week however but remains absent from training.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney also remain out injured having picked up issues over the summer.

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