Pep Guardiola has issued a coy update on the fitness of talisman Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash against Arsenal.
De Bruyne has started all five matches for City this season but was hauled off at the break against Inter Milan during City’s midweek Champions League opener.
The Belgian, who missed half of last season through injury, had gone down earlier in the half with a knock, but stayed on the pitch until the half-time break.
It had raised concerns that he wouldn’t be available for Sunday’s meeting against Arsenal – something Guardiola has since addressed.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s action, Guardiola said: « He [De Bruyne] feels today a little bit better, but not yet. Days off and tomorrow is training and we will see. »
And when asked if he might be involved on Sunday, the Catalan replied: « He could be. »
If De Bruyne can’t be involved from the off against the Gunners, it’s likely Phil Foden will be ushered in as his replacement.
It’s been a stop-start campaign for Foden so far, who only made his second appearance of the season in the stalemate against Inter.
On the Stockport-born star’s return, Guardiola added: « His intensity and pressing, and his movements in the small pockets is one of the best in the world. So that’s why we’re pleased, he’s pleased, and you can imagine how pleased I am that he’s back! »
The early-season clash between City and Arsenal sees the champions and runners-up from each of the previous two seasons go head-to-head.
But following last season’s goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium, City midfield general Rodri criticised Arsenal‘s approach to the contest, questioning their ‘mentality’ and whether they wanted to win the game.
Guardiola was quick to rubbish the comments when asked about them, insisting he and his players have nothing but respect for Mikel Arteta‘s side.
When asked if he agrees with the claim made by Rodri, Guardiola shook his head, before later praising the work of his former assistant manager.
He commented: « Every season they’re stronger. The depth of squad, adding more players, top quality. Every season they’re even better and better. »
But when pushed to comment on what the key development in Arteta’s side has been, Guardiola was unmoved, claiming he’d be accused of playing ‘mind games’.
The three-time Champions League winner continued: « You can ask him [Arteta]. If I say something [good about Arsenal], they will say I am playing mind games or something like that. Always I have a high opinion about him [Arteta] and his team.
« I am not good at them [playing mind games]. »
City and Arsenal face off against each other on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal are winless in each of their last 10 visits to the Etihad Stadium.
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