A recent update sheds light on Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of Manchester City’s crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal.
During the recent international break, Pep Guardiola received concerning news regarding several first-team players, particularly in defense.
Both Kyle Walker and John Stones were forced off early during their respective appearances for England against Brazil and Belgium.
Stones awaits a diagnosis for a suspected adductor issue, while Walker’s condition remains uncertain.
Additionally, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes suffered injuries while with their national teams and will undergo evaluations upon returning to the City Football Academy.
Amidst these setbacks, there is some positive news concerning Kevin De Bruyne, offering a glimmer of hope for Manchester City fans ahead of the upcoming fixture against Arsenal.
According to a report by Rob Dawson of ESPN, Manchester City is “optimistic” about De Bruyne’s availability for the Arsenal match.
There is “growing hope” that he will be fit to feature after participating in training with the club’s Under-23 squad on Tuesday.
While the medical staff will continue to monitor his progress, De Bruyne is expected to join first-team training on Thursday, signaling a potential return to action.
Despite missing a significant portion of the current season due to leg surgery, De Bruyne has emerged as one of Guardiola’s standout performers in recent months.
The Belgian midfielder, aged 32, has showcased his class in 14 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in City’s FA Cup fifth-round victory over Luton, where he scored four goals in a dominant 6-2 win.
As Manchester City enters a challenging phase of fixtures in late March and early April, De Bruyne’s fitness assumes paramount importance.
With aspirations of defending their Premier League title and pursuing success in domestic and European competitions, his ability to maintain peak performance levels will be crucial for the team’s ambitions of securing back-to-back trebles.
