Huge Update Ahead Of Manchester Derby, As Teams Get Set For Key Fixture

The News Initially

Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne is apparently missing out on the crucial Manchester Derby in the Premier League this Wednesday night according to coach Pep Guardiola in a latest update about the midfielder. The Belgian was forced to be subbed in the 38th minute against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend and was replaced by Fernandinho. Manchester City won the match 1-0 thanks to a brilliant finish from youth academy product Phil Foden in the 5th minute.

Till the tests were conducted, there were concerns that the Belgian might have picked another knee ligament damage which has already kept him on the sidelines twice this season in lengthy spells but it was found out to be a muscular injury.

When asked about the extent of the injury post match, the Spaniard replied, “I did not speak with him I think muscular injury, I do not know how big an impact but I think the next games he will be out.”

“I did not speak to him, but he put his hands on his hamstring. Tomorrow maybe we will know.”

Pep spoke the following when asked whether Phil Foden could be starting in the Manchester Derby

“Maybe,” Guardiola replied. “Maybe Kevin (De Bruyne) will not be there, we will see. I didn’t spend one second thinking about Old Trafford.

“I need to enjoy today and rest a bit, tomorrow afternoon watch as much of the (United) game as possible then we play our Premier League game against our neighbours and it’s good we will try.”

The non-availabilty of Kevin de Bruyne could prove out to be a costly affair for Manchester City as they are going neck to neck with Liverpool for their second Premier League title on the row. Manchester City are currently second on the points table, 2 points behind Liverpool who are at 88 points with a game in hand for the citizens.

The Manchester derby will be a key fixture in the road to decide the next champions in England as there’ll only be 3 fixtures after that and it’s a must win in all the fixtures for both Liverpool and Manchester City.

Manchester United are in a shaky phase themselves as they crashed out of the UEFA Champions League to Barcelona and have lost 3 of the last 5 matches in the Premier League, the most recent one being an embarrassing uninspired 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park this weekend which has kind of put questions on new manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s tactical depth.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on the other hand are in fine form domestically having won all of the last 5 matches and will travel to Old Trafford to make a statement as they keep their hunt for the next Premier League trophy alive. They will look to capitalise on Manchester United’s poor recent form and will try to edge out on their arch rivals both tactically and also in the mental battle. City are pretty much looking to add on to their EFL Cup trophy to their cabinet this summer.

The Latest Update

It was eventually confirmed that the midfield superstar will not be fit for the game in mid-week and Pep will have to look at alternatives to fill his void. It will be interesting to see how the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager lines up his squad for this key fixture, with the Premier League title race still very much alive.

Related Posts

Arsenal have held concrete talks to sign Bayern Munich star for free this summer

Arsenal actively pursue Bayern Munich’s star winger Leroy Sane, intensifying their efforts as his contract nears its end. Reports indicate that the Gunners initiate concrete discussions with the 29-year-old German…

Read more
REPORTS: Joan Garcia set to join Arsenal

Reports in Spain say that La Liga player set to join Arsenal in the summer

Arsenal eagerly approach the summer transfer window with a bustling agenda ahead. Undoubtedly, the team faces another disappointing finish in the Premier League title chase, marking their third consecutive year…

Read more

Liverpool and Manchester City start talks to sign £50.1m player; Arsenal also interested

The competition for Hugo Larsson’s signature intensifies as the summer transfer window approaches. Insiders reveal that Frankfurt anticipates a flurry of bids for their 20-year-old talent, setting his price tag…

Read more
Arsenal show interest in signing Evan Ndicka to bolster their defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal interested in €40m [£33.4m] Ivorian defender

Arsenal news: Evan Ndicka, the talented 25-year-old centre-back, attracts significant attention from Premier League teams as the summer transfer window approaches. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest actively monitor the…

Read more

Arsenal have to pay £40 million to sign Dutch defensive prodigy

Jorrel Hato, a rising star from Ajax, attracts a bustling transfer market as the summer window approaches. Top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid actively pursue the…

Read more
Arsenal have the chance to sign Mohamed Kudus for £85 million as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

Arsenal Can Get Their Desired Striker For £85m

Arsenal news: West Ham United actively gears up to offload their talented forward Mohammed Kudus this summer, setting his release clause at a hefty £85m. The club confidently positions itself…

Read more