A recent update provides further details on Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola faced a series of setbacks concerning his first-team players during the recent international break, especially among defensive players who encountered health issues while on international duty.
Kyle Walker and John Stones were both substituted early during matches for England against Brazil and Belgium, respectively. Stones is awaiting a diagnosis for a suspected adductor issue.
Additionally, Manuel Akanji and Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes had to depart their national teams due to injuries and will undergo assessments upon returning to Manchester City’s training facility.
However, there is some positive news regarding Kevin De Bruyne’s availability, offering City fans a glimmer of hope ahead of the crucial domestic fixture. According to Rob Dawson of ESPN, Manchester City is “optimistic” about De Bruyne’s participation against Arsenal and there is “growing hope” after he trained with the Under-23s on Tuesday.
Medical staff will continue to monitor De Bruyne’s progress, but he is expected to rejoin first-team training on Thursday, paving the way for his potential inclusion in Sunday’s match.
Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to leg surgery, De Bruyne has been instrumental for Manchester City since his return, showcasing his quality with two goals and 13 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.
His standout performance in the FA Cup fifth-round victory against Luton, where he scored four goals, underscores his importance to the team.
As Manchester City faces a challenging run of fixtures in late March and early April, including crucial matches in their pursuit of back-to-back Trebles, De Bruyne’s fitness and form will be vital for their success.
