Pep Guardiola Shares Positive Update On Kevin De Bruyne’s Injury – Will He Play For Manchester City Vs Newcastle United?

It’s a new week, and Manchester City will look to move on from their bottle job against Liverpool. After a rough draw against the Reds, Pep Guardiola‘s side is now up against Newcastle United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. City could have a formidable challenge on their hands with the Magpies dumping the Cityzens out of the EFL Cup earlier this season. While City did bag a win over their opponents in their previous fixture, the team will be without the man responsible for the massive win. But Kevin De Bruyne has once again picked up an injury, and the Belgian will be absent from the squad against Newcastle.

Manchester City has been carefully managing Kevin De Bruyne this season. The player’s campaign has been marred with injuries, with the Belgian looking like a fragile glass cannon. Pep Guardiola touched on the Belgian’s injury during his press conference ahead of the team’s FA Cup clash.

The Spaniard stated, “Kevin [De Bruyne] is not ready [against Newcastle]. He played at Anfield with some problems. Getting better, we spoke with Belgium, and I’m grateful so he can recover for the rest of the season.”

It seems like the defending champions do not want to take any risk regarding Kevin De Bruyne. The midfielder is an essential cog in the team’s midfield, and his absence for an extended period could be a bitter pill to swallow. City still has to face the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, and Aston Villa in the Premier League this season. Thus, missing De Bruyne for more than a couple of weeks could bring a new headache for Pep Guardiola.

Kevin De Bruyne uncertain for the game against Arsenal

While the Belgian is certain to miss the game against Newcastle, he could also be ruled out of the game against Arsenal. Notably, Manchester City will host the Premier League leaders later this month. Arsenal is currently on top of the Premier League standings with 64 points to their name, leading the way with a better goal difference than Liverpool. Meanwhile, City is just a point behind the Gunners with 63 points. With the game holding a lot of importance, stepping in without Kevin De Bruyne seems like a massive disadvantage for Manchester City.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Rips Into Premier League’s Grueling Fixture Schedule: Broadcasters Dictate Terms as Clubs Told to ‘Shut Up’ With Money

To add more to the team’s misery, first-option goalkeeper Ederson might also miss the game against the Gunners. The Brazilian picked up a thigh injury during the clash against Liverpool and had to be replaced by Stefan Ortega during the second half. City’s defense has been very volatile this season, and not having their main goalkeeper between the posts could add more to the team’s worries. The game between Manchester City and Arsenal could have massive repercussions as the winner could emerge as Liverpool’s biggest competitor in the title race.

READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne Injury Timeline – How Did He Get Injured Again, Return Date & Which Manchester City Games Will He Miss?