A key player for Manchester City looks set to miss Sunday’s clash with Arsenal

During Manchester City’s draw with Inter Milan last night Kevin De Bruyne was substituted at halftime due to injury. Speaking after the game Pep Guardiola was unsure if the Manchester City legend would play against Arsenal on Sunday. Now a new report indicates that the Belgian international will miss Sunday’s Premier League match at the Etihad.

David McDonnell has reported for The Mirror that Kevin De Bruyne will miss Sunday’s blockbuster match against Arsenal. McDonnell further reports that the injury suffered by De Bruyne isn’t believed to be a long-term ailment. Furthermore, McDonnell adds that Manchester City are unlikely to take any risks with De Bruyne’s fitness. The champions do not want to risk De Bruyne against Mikel Arteta’s side and lose him for an extended period McDonnell adds.

If Kevin De Bruyne does miss City’s clash with Arsenal it would be a blow for the world champions. The Belgian international has begun the season in fine form, although he wasn’t at his best against Inter Milan. He is still arguably City’s most dangerous creative midfielder, so if he does miss Sunday’s match, that will no doubt force Pep Guardiola to change his system on Sunday.

But for the champions, there was positive news to come out of last night’s draw with Inter Milan. Phil Foden played the entire second half after coming at halftime. The England international showed flashes of brilliance during the second half and appears set to finally make an impact on the 24/25 season. There is also Ilkay Gundogan who could step into De Bruyne’s position if the Belgian international misses Sunday’s match.

It would be a blow for Manchester City if De Bruyne misses Sunday’s match against Arsenal. But the champions do appear to have options to replace the midfielder if is ruled out of Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium.