Concerns over Kevin De Bruyne fitness following problem sustained against Arsenal

Kevin De Bruyne was substituted by Pep Guardiola against Arsenal on Wednesday night due to some “niggles” in his leg, according to his manager.

The Belgian midfielder was at the heart of everything excellent for Manchester City in their most recent Premier League encounter, that saw them comfortably dismiss of title challengers Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Two goals from the 32 year-old spread across each portion of 45 minutes were complimented by a sensational assist on the stroke of half-time, as De Bruyne delivered a pinpoint cross for John Stones to head home.

As is usually the case in every season, Kevin De Bruyne will prove to be integral to any success Manchester City manage to secure between now and the end of the ongoing campaign, as their pursuit of a treble continues into another week.

However, an excellent night’s work for City this week has been somewhat marred by a concern over De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of their next Premier League encounter against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Manager Pep Guardiola was asked after the game whether the Belgium international captain was fit upon being substituted in the second-half, to which the Catalan coach responded by offering caution to listeners.

Speaking during his post-match press conference at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, the Manchester City boss revealed, “He (Kevin De Bruyne) told me he had some niggles in the legs, and asked me to make a substitution.”

Guardiola, Manchester City players, and supporters of the Etihad club will all be hoping that Kevin De Bruyne’s ‘niggles’ are only a minor problem, with enormous fixtures coming thick and fast for the club in the coming weeks.

Following a trip to Craven Cottage this weekend, City embark on two consecutive home matches as they host West Ham in a midweek affair, as well as Leeds United the following weekend.

That triple header in the Premier League will mark the build-up to a Champions League semi-final first-leg, when Manchester City travel to the Spanish capital to take on Real Madrid at the same stage of the tournament as last season.

City also take on bitter rivals Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup final – a highly-anticipated contest that has been pencilled in for Saturday 3 June with kick-off at 3PM (BST).