Pep Guardiola, former Catalan manager and current-day Manchester City manager is unsure if their playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne will be fit for Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester United owing to his shoulder injury. The fixture is considered to be crucial from both the team’s perspective but is considered as an important fixture for the Red Devils considering the Champions League berth.
The Uruguayan international, Sergio Aguero’s goal sending the holders through to the quarter-finals midweek.
The Belgian international, Kevin de Bruyne was not involved against in the FA Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday where the Cityzens won by the solitary goal margin against the Championship side City triumphed 1-0 at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.
Star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was absent for the game against the Championship side because of a problem suffered in the closing stages of the EFL Cup final against Aston Villa at the weekend revealed by the Manchester City manager.
As Manchester City face the short trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League clash, The Cityzens boss admitted that he does not know if the 28-year-old the Belgian international will be ready for the weekend.
Talking to the media, Pep Guardiola said the media:
“Kevin had a problem here [pointing to his shoulder],”
“He was not fit.
“In the last game, the last minutes he fell down in a bad position and had a problem in his back. We don’t know how long [he will be out]. Hopefully not much.”
Asked if Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne will be fit to face Manchester United, he replied:
“I don’t know.”
Replacing Ilkay Gundogan in the 58th minute at Wembley Stadium, Kevin de Bruyne only came on a second-half substitute against Aston Villa.
While the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid takes place at the Etihad Stadium on March 17, Manchester City host the Emirates-based outfit, Arsenal in the Premier League action next Wednesday, after the game against Manchester United.
Can the injury to the star midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne, will affect the game plan of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola? Or will this be the new beginning for Manchester City midfield combination?
