Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne 'didn't feel good' having been brought off at half-time of Manchester City's Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
De Bruyne picked up a groin injury in the 43rd minute of Wednesday’s goalless draw against Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium, and didn’t appear for the second half.
The Belgian playmaker is now a doubt for Sunday’s visit of Premier League title rivals Arsenal.
When asked about De Bruyne’s knock, City boss Pep Guardiola said post-match:
“I didn’t speak with the doctors but apparently he didn’t feel good.”
In De Bruyne’s case, he tried his luck with an effort at Inter’s Yann Sommer, and then went to take the resulting corner two minutes before half time.
There, he knelt to the ground clutching his groin in worrying scenes for the Premier League champions.
The Belgian became City’s captain this season and will be integral in their pursuit of another Champions League title.
De Bruyne hasn’t cut a happy figure, though, having been linked with Saudi Pro League sides for much of the summer transfer window.
The 33-year-old talked up the move in one interview, and since the start of the season has expressed his discontent with European football. He’d also appear to threaten to quit the Belgian national team during the most recent international break, and has regularly complained about the football schedule and how it will lead to injuries.
Speaking during the most recent break, he said:
“The real problem will emerge after the Club World Cup.”
“We know there will be only three weeks between the Club World Cup final and the first Premier League match. So, we have three weeks to rest and prepare for another 80 matches.”
“Maybe this year things will be OK, but next year could be problematic. The Professional Footballers’ Association in England and other player associations have tried to find solutions.”
“The issue is that UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches, and we can raise concerns, but no solutions have been found. It seems that money speaks louder than the players’ voices.”
It was an uncharacteristic performance by City, who failed to find the net with a goalless draw being played out against the Serie A giants.
