Revealed: Why Kevin De Bruyne is missing for Manchester City vs Fulham

Manchester City are without Kevin De Bruyne for Sunday’s visit to Fulham in the Premier League.

The 31 year-old scored twice during Wednesday’s 4-1 thumping of league leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City closed the gap to the Gunners to just two points.

De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a sublime solo goal, before adding City’s third early into the second half.

Pep Guardiola’s side can move to the top of the Premier League with a win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

The Sky Blues have a formidable record against the Cottagers, unbeaten since 2009 against the West London outfit.

However, City will be without De Bruyne for Sunday’s key Premier League match, as the Cityzen’s seek to overtake Arsenal at the top of the table.

The Belgian misses Sunday’s match in the capital alongside Nathan Ake and Cole Palmer, who were also absent from the matchday squad.

According to BBC journalist Mike Minay, De Bruyne is absent due to being “not fully fit.”

De Bruyne was substituted in midweek, and post-match, Pep Guardiola revealed that the midfielder asked to be replaced.

“He (Kevin De Bruyne) told me he had some niggles in the legs, and asked me to make a substitution.”

Manchester City face West Ham at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday and also have a huge Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday 9th May.

De Bruyne has made 42 appearances for City in all competitions so far this season, making 37 starts and scoring nine goals.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, Guardiola said: “He doesn’t feel good. He has some injury and could not travel.

“[Timescale for a return?] No, I don’t know.”