Manchester City could be without Kevin De Bruyne against Manchester United on Sunday as he’s suffering from a “problem in his back”, according to Pep Guardiola. The 28-year-old was left out of City’s 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday to book their place in the FA Cup Quarter-Final and may not return in time for the Manchester derby.
Guardiola told Sky Sports in Wednesday’s post-match press conference: “Kevin had a problem (with his back). 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.” And when asked if De Bruyne would make the Manchester derby, Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”
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The Belgian international has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating 29 goals. De Bruyne has created 96 chances, completed 81.7% of his 1470 passes, whipped in 244 crosses with 26% accuracy, had 37 successful dribbles (57%) and averaged a tackle (34) or interception (12) every 47 minutes.
De Bryne has been outstanding for City this season and would be missed against United, so Guardiola will be hoping he returns in time. Should the midfielder sit out on Sunday, however, Guardiola still has Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva and Rodri at his disposal.
Ahead of their trip to Old Trafford, City are second in the Premier League table with 57 points from 27 games, coming off the back of consecutive wins. In all competitions, the Sky Blues boast five wins on the bounce and may fancy their chances against a United side that have dropped points in two of their last three home games in the league.