Kevin De Bruyne is in doubt for Man City’s decisive clash against Liverpool next month after suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa … with the Belgian star now facing a race against time to prepare for trip to Anfield
- Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s victory over Villa
- De Bruyne was forced to leave before the hour mark after pulling up during a sprint
- Guardiola’s side games against West Brom, Sheffield United and Burnley
Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s victory over Aston Villa, questioning his inclusion in next month’s clash with Liverpool.
De Bruyne was forced to leave just before the hour mark after pulling up during a sprint. The 29-year-old, a driving force behind City’s recent resurgence, has had hamstring problems before and is expected to miss the coming weeks.
Pep Guardiola’s team faces West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Burnley in the Premier League, before a potentially crucial trip to Anfield against defending champion Jurgen Klopp on February 7.
The city’s talisman, Kevin De Bruyne, suffered a tendon injury during the victory over Aston Villa
The news of De Bruyne’s injury came on the same day that Sergio Aguero confirmed that he had contracted the coronavirus.
The Argentine had already isolated himself when contacting a friend who had the virus. He returned positive earlier this week and is expected to return to training later next week. The striker has not started a match since October 24, after fighting an injury.
De Bruyne was forced to leave the field before the hour mark after pulling up during a sprint
Guardiola’s team can face West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Burnley without him
Thursday has been a year since the 32-year-old last scored in the Premier League, with negotiations on a new contract that has not yet started, despite his contract expiring at the end of the season.
De Bruyne’s absence is seen as the biggest blow to City. The Belgian now has 100 assists for the club and has created more chances than any other Premier League player this season. Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden will be called upon to assume greater creative responsibilities in the recovery of the club’s vice captain.
Meanwhile, Villa coach Dean Smith has been accused by the Football Federation for using foul and offensive language towards an official in City’s 2-0 victory.
The news of the injury came on the same day that it was announced that Sergio Aguero had Covid-19
Smith was furious at the circumstances of Silva’s first game, when Rodri returned from an offside position to expropriate Tyrone Mings, and was sent to the stands by Jon Moss for his protests.
“It wasn’t a bad word,” said Smith. ‘He (Moss) came and said he was interpreting the laws of the game. I said, “Well, you should have done that at the beginning of the game.” I think I was treated unfairly. I’ve heard a lot of things being said to Jonathan Moss before and he didn’t handle it that way.
Smith has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.