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| Pep Guardiola |
Pep Guardiola has raised concerns about the availability of one of his key players ahead of Manchester City’s highly anticipated Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday, September 22. Kevin De Bruyne, who has been pivotal in City’s early season form, sustained an injury during their goalless Champions League opener against Inter Milan in midweek. Pep Guardiola has opened up about the health status of Kevin De Bruyne after the latter picked up an injury in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola gives De Bruyne update The Belgian playmaker, who has featured in every game since the start of the season, was substituted at halftime after suffering a knock in the 43rd minute.
When questioned about De Bruyne’s condition, Guardiola’s response offered little reassurance. “I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet, but it doesn’t look good,” the City boss revealed to CBS Sports, as reported by talkSPORT. Will De Bruyne play against Arsenal? If De Bruyne is ruled out, it could deal a significant blow to City’s midfield as they prepare for a showdown with Arsenal—a match that could have early implications in the title race. City and Arsenal have been battling for supremacy in the Premier League over the last two seasons, and the current campaign is no exception. Guardiola’s men lead the table with 12 points, while the North London club sits just two points behind.
A victory for the Gunners at the Etihad would see them leapfrog City, intensifying the competition for the Premier League crown. Mikel Arteta’s side already passed their first major test of the season, edging out Tottenham in a narrow North London derby win. Arsenal battling with Odegaard injury Meanwhile, Arsenal faces injury troubles of their own. Captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss out due to an ankle ligament injury that Arteta described as “quite significant,” according to BBC Sport. Both teams will need to navigate these setbacks as they vie for early-season dominance in what is shaping up to be another thrilling title race.
by Joshua Cheloti