Manchester City dealt major £118m concern ahead of Newcastle United clash as Pep Guardiola gives update
Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm).
Pep Guardiola’s side are back in action a little over 48 hours after their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday when they face Watford in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Guardiola is expected to heavily rotate his squad for the tie with several youngsters and fringe members likely to be handed starts. However, De Bruyne won’t be one of those changes.
“I don’t think it will be long, but was not able today [against Arsenal]. I would not say Watford, I don’t know Newcastle but it will not be long,” the City boss said ahead of the Hornets clash.
De Bruyne picked up the injury in last week’s Champions League draw against Inter Milan and he was withdrawn at half-time.
Elsewhere, Rodri is likely to miss the game after he was replaced in the early stages versus Arsenal. The Spaniard fell to the ground following an innocuous moment and appeared to be in real discomfort before he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
“I don’t know yet. I have not asked the doctors,” was Guardiola’s post-match response when asked about the injury on Sunday.
“Rodri is a strong man and he leaves the pitch because he feels something. Otherwise he stays there. He is the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or winner. But we have to handle it.”
While City play twice in three days, Newcastle now have a full week to prepare after seeing their cup tie away to AFC Wimbledon postponed because of a flooding around Plough Lane.