Manchester City have been handed another major injury scare ahead of their looming title showdown with Arsenal after Kevin De Bruyne was omitted from the Belgium squad with a groin issue.

Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium after the international break for a massive game in the Premier League on March 31.

De Bruyne has been in outstanding form since returning after missing the first five months of the season due to a hamstring injury, scoring once and assisting 10 goals in 11 games.

But the midfielder was on Thursday left out of the latest Belgium squad for their friendlies this month against the Republic of Ireland and England.

His latest injury has been described as minor but will still be a real concern for City with such a crucial fixture ahead, with goalkeeper Ederson already a major doubt to face Arsenal with a thigh injury sustained in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco said of De Bruyne: “I don’t know whether it has something to do with his hamstrings. It is an injury to his groin.

“We learned of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury yesterday. I spoke with him and the doctor. We decided to take zero risks.

“We want to give him time to recover. This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.”

De Bruyne will miss holders City’s FA Cup quarter-final tie at home to Newcastle on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently third, one point behind leaders Arsenal and second-place Liverpool in a thrilling three-way Premier League title race.