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Manchester City have suffered another injury setback as midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss their Premier League clash away to Newcastle United. It comes right after the Cityzens lost Rodri to a ligament injury for the remainder of the season.
Rodri limped off during his side's 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal last week. With the Spaniard's injury still fresh in the minds of City fans, head coach Guardiola has now confirmed that they will also be without another key player in Kevin De Bruyne.
When asked when he expects the 33-year-old Belgian midfielder to return to the team, Guardiola said (via @City_Xtra):
"I don't know. Before maybe the international break, or after the international break. We will see..."
Manchester City manager reacts to Rodri's long-term injury
Pep Guardiola is preparing for life without Rodri, who has been ruled out for the season. Head coach Guardiola confirmed the same in a press conference recently.
He also mentioned five players who he believed could fill the void left by the injured midfielder. He said (via City Xtra):
"When you have an ACL and you are out for eight or nine months, the year after you have muscular problems. That's why it's longer. I think Rodri will come back to his best after not just eight or nine months, but it is what it is. As a club, we have magnificent players and we will find a solution..."
On the solutions, Guardiola added:
"It's one of them [Rico Lewis with Mateo Kovacic]. We have a few more. [Ilkay] Gundo can play in that position, John [Stones] and Manu [Akanji] have played in that position. So we have alternatives..."
