Pep Guardiola responds to Kevin De Bruyne injury scare as Man City star could miss Arsenal clash
Kevin De Bruyne limped off in the final moments of the first-half of the goalless draw with Inter and is a major doubt for Manchester City's Premier League clash with Arsenal
by David McDonnell · football.londonManchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne faces a race against time to be fit for the titanic Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday, after picking up what looked to be a groin issue during the stalemate against Inter Milan on Wednesday. De Bruyne didn't return to the pitch for the second half following the injury.
City boss Pep Guardiola has signalled his concern, admitting post-match via the Mirror: "I don't know, I haven't spoken with the doctors yet. I will have more information when I do. We will assess him tomorrow."
De Bruyne was substituted for Ilkay Gundogan at half-time and Guardiola suggested that the change was coming anyway. "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," he said.
"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."
Arsenal are dealing with their own injury worries ahead of the City clash, which could have big ramifications in the Premier League title race even at this early stage, with Martin Odegaard set for a prolonged period on the sidelines with an ankle ligament injury. The Gunners star limped off the pitch during a Norway game last week.
READ MORE: Arsenal fixtures Martin Odegaard could miss through injury after ligament damage update
"After recent scans, the scans showed that he’s got some damage especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle," Arteta said. "It’s something quite significant so we’re going to lose him for a while."
"He’s our captain," the Arsenal boss added. "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."
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