Kevin De Bruyne suffers new injury in major Manchester City and Belgium blow

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has suffered a new injury, ruling the midfielder out of upcoming international fixtures for Belgium.

The 32-year-old, who was involved in a heated exchange with Pep Guardiola after being substituted at Anfield on Sunday afternoon during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, will miss two upcoming Belgium fixtures due to injury.

De Bruyne returned from a five-month absence in January after undergoing hamstring surgery in August, and has featured in 12 matches for Manchester City since returning.

The midfielder has already been directly involved in eight goals across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and marked his return from injury with a goal against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in a late 3-2 victory.

Manchester City face Eddie Howe’s side for a fourth time this season on Saturday evening, with Newcastle visiting the Etihad Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals, as the Sky Blues look to set-up a 19th visit to Wembley Stadium under Guardiola.

De Bruyne looks set to miss this weekend’s clash due to a fresh injury setback however, after the 32-year-old was left out of the Belgium international squad for two upcoming friendlies.

Kristof Terreur reports that the midfielder has suffered a ‘minor groin injury’ and as a result will miss friendlies against both England and the Republic of Ireland.

Guardiola is expected to address the media on Friday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash, with De Bruyne set to become the Blues’ third major injury concern, as both Jack Grealish and Ederson are currently sidelined.

Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco did address De Bruyne’s injury, saying: “He’s been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games.

“I spoke to the doctor and Kevin, we decided the risk is too big. It’s better to give him time to recover well at Manchester City and have him ready for the Euros.”

De Bruyne’s latest injury concern is his second since returning from surgery, with the Belgian missing games against Chelsea and Bournemouth due to fitness concerns.

City, who face a crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal upon returning from the international break, are set to be without Ederson for up to a month, after the goalkeeper suffered a muscular injury against Liverpool.

Grealish also remains sidelined after suffering a recurring groin injury against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road last month, and it is currently unknown when the Englishman could return.