'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Pep Guardiola has suggested Kevin De Bruyne will soon be back in action for Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker sat out the Cityzens' 2-2 draw against 10-man Arsenal on Sunday (September 22), nursing a thigh injury.
De Bruyne picked up a thigh problem in City's 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener (September 18). He was unavailable against the Gunners and it seems he won't be risked against EFL Championship outfit Watford.
Manchester City host the Hornets at the Etihad tomorrow (September 24) in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Guardiola gave an update on De Bruyne ahead of that game (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"I don’t think it will be long injury for Kevin de Bruyne. I will not say Watford and I don’t know for Newcastle. But I think it will not be long."
De Bruyne had made a solid start to the season with a goal and an assist in six games across competitions. His creativity was glaringly missed in City's draw against title rivals Arsenal as they failed to break down a stern Gunners defence after Leandro Trossard's sending-off.
The Belgian could be available for the reigning champions' trip to Newcastle United on Saturday (September 28). Guardiola will be eager to have the veteran playmaker back fit.
Rodri joined De Bruyne on Manchester City's injury list
Manchester City's injury crisis continued against Arsenal when Rodri was forced off in the 21st minute at the Etihad. The Spanish midfielder limped off, raising concerns of a significant knee injury.
Rodri jarred his knee when colliding with Gunners man Thomas Partey and was left floored. His manager, Guardiola, spoke after the game about the situation (via The Standard):
"I don't know, I didn't speak to the doctor. [But] Rodri is strong. He leaves the pitch in this action because he felt something, otherwise Rodri stays there."
It would be a major blow for Manchester City if Rodri faces a spell on the sidelines. The Euro 2024 winner is vital for Guardiola's side, and another midfield injury is not what the Cityzens need.
Guardiola is already without Norweigan midfielder Oscar Bobb who fractured his leg on the eve of the new season. He was expected to be handed a prominent role this season.
Fortunately, the club re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a free transfer. He's been a regular starter amid the injury issues the team have encountered.
