Kevin De Bruyne gives Pep Guardiola late fitness hope ahead of Arsenal showdown | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne could feature for the Premier League champions against Arsenal this weekend, despite a recent injury scare.

The Belgium international was withdrawn at the half-time interval of Manchester City’s opening UEFA Champions League encounter with Inter Milan on Wednesday night, having seemingly picked up a groin problem during an attack on the Italian’s goal.

Having received brief medical attention from Manchester City professionals at the end of the first-half, De Bruyne briefly continued before being replaced by Phil Foden for the remainder of the contest that would result in a 0-0 draw between the 2023 finalists.

Reports after the contest pointed towards a decision having already been taken by Manchester City to not risk De Bruyne, ruling out the midfielder against Arsenal despite his injury concern not being too serious and requiring a lengthy period on the sidelines.

However, new comments from the Manchester City manager would suggest that all is not lost when it comes to De Bruyne’s chances of being available in the first mammoth meeting between the last two seasons’ Premier League title contenders.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference at Manchester City’s training centre on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola revealed that there remains hope of Kevin De Bruyne making himself available for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

“He feels today a little bit better, but not yet (back in training). Today is off and tomorrow is training and we will see,” Guardiola explained on the 33-year-old midfield playmaker.

On whether De Bruyne could be available against Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League on Sunday, Pep Guardiola simply said, “He could be.”

Should Kevin De Bruyne not be available for Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, Pep Guardiola would likely turn to Phil Foden to come into his midfield trio, adding the necessary pace and creative ability in small pockets within Arsenal’s centre of the park.

Foden returned to action against Inter Milan on Wednesday night having been ruled out of on-field duties for both Manchester City and England through an illness picked up shortly after the start of the new season.

Ilkay Gundogan could also be another option for Pep Guardiola, however the legs required against a fast-in-transition Arsenal set-up could mean the Catalan would lean more towards the aforementioned England international.