Pep Guardiola is unsure when Kevin De Bruyne will return

One player who missed Manchester City’s 2-all draw with Arsenal at the Etihad was Kevin De Bruyne. The City club legend was substituted at halftime of City’s nil-all draw with Arsenal. Speaking after his team’s pulsating draw with Arsenal Pep Guardiola provided an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury.

Speaking during the embargoed section of his post-game press conference, the City manager was asked whether Kevin De Bruyne would be available for City’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Watford. Guardiola was unsure how long De Bruyne would be out for. He told the media: “I don’t think it will be long. But he was not able to (feature) today (against Arsenal), I will not say Watford, I don’t know for Newcastle. But I think it will not be long.”

Guardiola was also asked what type of injury De Bruyne sustained against Inter Milan. The City manager hinted at a groin injury but his description of the injury was particularly entertaining. He said: “Some discomfort in the, I don’t know, ‘pubalgia’? What is the name? (Groin?) No, not groin! You are not a doctor! Some problems here (points to groin). Forget about it!”

Manchester City will be hoping to have Kevin De Bruyne back sooner rather than later. The champions suffered an injury blow yesterday with Rodri sustaining a knee injury. The seriousness of Rodri’s injury isn’t known at this time. With the games coming thick and fast over the next few weeks the champions will be hoping to have De Bruyne back and firing as soon as possible.