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Man City give Kevin De Bruyne injury update and tease role for Arsenal title showdown

Man City star Kevin De Bruyne.
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Kevin De Bruyne could still appear for Manchester City against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, despite suffering a knock during Wednesday night's Champions League match against Inter Milan.

The 33-year-old Belgium captain was forced to leave the pitch at half-time in that midweek stalemate. However, further assessments have not ruled him out of this weekend's game at the Etihad Stadium.

"He feels a little bit better today, but we have not yet had training and we will see," Pep Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. "He could be [involved]."

If De Bruyne is unable to play, then he would join Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake on City's injury list. Bobb suffered a leg fracture before the start of the Premier League campaign, while Ake injured a hamstring in September's break.

Guardiola also confirmed that Phil Foden, who replaced De Bruyne in the Inter game, is fit to play a full 90 minutes after a disrupted start to the season. "Every player needs a break," added the City manager.

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"He played a good 45 minutes the last game and he was the best player in the league last season, so he can fight with the other midfield players.

"Unfortunately, the final decision [in the Inter match] he was not more calm, but his intensity and pressing and movements in small pockets, he's one of the best in the world. That's why we are very pleased he's back."

As for Arsenal, Martin Odegaard's absence has been a huge blow for Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard will, therefore, be pleased that none of his squad suffered further problems vs Atalanta on Thursday night.