Why Kevin De Bruyne is absent for Manchester City against Arsenal in the Premier League | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne is absent for Manchester City against Arsenal in their Premier League showdown at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 33-year-old was withdrawn from action against Inter Milan on Wednesday night at the half-time interval, having appeared to sustain a groin problem during an attempt on the Italian side’s goal in UEFA Champions League action.

Replacing the club’s vice-captain with Phil Foden, who took up an attacking midfield role in the game, Pep Guardiola was unable to offer too much insight after the contest on the severity of the issue.

However, speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, there was a glimmer of hope from the Catalan coach that De Bruyne could offer his services in some capacity against Arsenal this weekend.

“He feels today a little bit better, but not yet,” Guardiola said when asked whether De Bruyne had returned to training alongside his Manchester City teammates. “Days off and tomorrow (Saturday) is training and we will see.”

Asked whether De Bruyne could be involved against Arsenal, Guardiola said, “He could be.”

However, following confirmation of team news from the Etihad Stadium ahead of the clash against Arsenal, Kevin De Bruyne has been left out of the Manchester City squad for the visit of their Premier League title challengers.

Speaking on the problem sustained by the Belgian with broadcasters ahead of the game, Guardiola was keen to reassure supporters awaiting an update on De Bruyne that the injury is not a “big, big one”.

With matches coming thick and fast for Manchester City across the next few weeks, it is likely that De Bruyne’s exclusion from the matchday squad against Arsenal will be seen as a precaution from within the club.

City host Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, just 49 hours after the conclusion of Sunday afternoon’s meeting with Arsenal, before a lunchtime kick-off away to Newcastle United awaits on the following Saturday.

Further updates on Kevin De Bruyne’s injury could be provided in the lead up to the League Cup fixture in midweek, however that contest will likely be seen as a further opportunity to rest the Belgium international captain.