Manchester City are scheduled to host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and they have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the Gunners visit as Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was taken off in the Cityzens’ game against Inter Milan owing to an injury yesterday.
🚨 Kevin De Bruyne was forced off due to an injury in Manchester City’s Champiobs League clash against Inter Milan this evening. 🏥
Arsenal face Guardiola’s side this weekend… pic.twitter.com/QPSmxypTFH
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 18, 2024
Man City have an unfair advantage going into the game at the weekend, as they not only played at home but also played one day before Arsenal’s fixture against Atalanta kicks off in Italy. Moreover, the Gunners have an injury-depleted squad as club skipper Martin Odegaard has been ruled out for a few weeks owing to a’significant’ ankle injury. Mikel Merino continues to address his shoulder fracture. Former City defender Zinchenko has been missing for a week alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Riccardo Calafiori has just returned from the ankle injury he sustained in the international break; however, the Italian defender has only had one training session.
While everything pointed at advantage Manchester City, Arsenal have now been handed a glimmer of hope.
Kevin De Bruyne faces race to be fit for Man City vs Arsenal clash
Kevin de Bruyne had been subbed off at halftime, and the 31-year-old is now doubtful to see if he will be available to face Arsenal. He appeared to have suffered what looked like a groin injury towards the end of the first half.
We have seen this story many times, innit?
KDB pulling out with injury or suffering from long-term injury and miraculously getting fit to face Arsenal and looking in better than ever condition facing the Gunners. I wouldn’t bag on this until the team sheets are out and his name is not written thereon.
We’ve literally seen this story 15 times he’s back and better than ever on the weekend https://t.co/lPXhjVWTjN
— Tomás (@MutedIife) September 18, 2024
But even if there is a minute chance that De Bruyne will miss the game, it would be a fixture sans creative outlets, and it should be more of a direct game, like Man City’s game against Inter yesterday.
