Pep Guardiola provides promising Kevin De Bruyne injury update

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a promising update on the recovery of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The 32-year-old, who underwent surgery for a recurring hamstring problem in August, is expected to remain sidelined for Manchester City until the new year, missing a significant period of the campaign.

De Bruyne was forced off with an injury against Burnley on the opening weekend of the season, the Belgian’s first start since suffering a hamstring tear during the first-half of the UEFA Champions League Final in June.

The Belgium international didn’t feature during Manchester City’s pre-season tour of east Asia, but did play against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield prior to suffering a fresh hamstring injury.

Manchester City were forced to enter the transfer market amid the 32-year-olds’ injury setback, with Matheus Nunes moving to the Etihad Stadium on Deadline Day from Wolves, after a transfer for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta dramatically collapsed.

De Bruyne played a key role in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering 31 assists across all competitions.

The midfielder scored in both matches against Arsenal last season, with De Bruyne having netted eight goals against the Gunners during his time at Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side face Arsenal this weekend, travelling to the Emirates Stadium looking to bounce back from a defeat to Wolves, and secure top spot for the upcoming international break.

Manchester City had won their opening six matches prior to a 2-1 defeat at Molineux, but the Blues haven’t lost back-to-back league matches since 2018.

Despite his absence from the first-team, Guardiola provided a promising update on the recovery of De Bruyne, ahead of Sunday’s visit to North London.

“Different timings because he comes in for treatment, but I see him every day and he’s getting better, his mood is good.

“Hopefully sooner than expected he will be back,” revealed the Manchester City manager.

De Bruyne will be hopeful of returning in the new year, however the midfielder looks set to miss the FIFA Club World Cup in December, with Manchester City bidding to win the competition for the first time in Saudi Arabia.