Why Kevin De Bruyne is not playing for Man City vs Arsenal as Pep Guardiola dealt huge blow

Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of Manchester City's squad after failing to recover from an injury he picked up against Inter. De Bruyne was forced to leave the pitch during the second half of their Champions League clash on Wednesday due to a thigh issue.

The medical team advised Pep Guardiola at half-time that the Belgian needed to be substituted. Despite initial optimism from Guardiola, who didn't believe the injury was severe and even hinted at a possible return for the weekend fixture after hearing De Bruyne felt better before training, the midfielder was nowhere to be seen when the City bus arrived at the Etihad. Consequently, he was not included in the squad set to face Arsenal.

In light of De Bruyne's absence, Ilkay Gundogan was called upon by Guardiola. This change is one of three made from the team that drew with Inter in the Champions League, as the manager largely sticks with the players that have contributed to City's unbeaten run so far this season.

City are currently defending an unbeaten home record that dates back to November 2022. They thrashed Arsenal 4-1 a few months later on their way to securing the Premier League title ahead of the Gunners, and a goalless draw in March 2024 ultimately worked in City's favour as they clinched their fourth consecutive league title in May, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Since the 0-0 stalemate with Arsenal in March, City have won every league match at the Etihad, while Arsenal have emerged victorious in all their away games since.