Why is Kevin de Bruyne not playing for Manchester City against Arsenal in the Premier League?

Manchester City have enjoyed a superb start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, winning all four of their opening matches, opening up a two-point lead at the top. However, Pep Guardiola’s team haven’t had a great week.

The hearing into their 115 charges for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules began on Monday, with speculation suggesting the club could be stripped of league titles won between 2009 and 2018, or even expelled from the English top division.

City were then held to a draw by Inter Milan in their first Champions League game of the season at the Etihad on Wednesday, a game in which key midfield man Kevin De Bruyne was forced off.

What happened to De Bruyne against Inter?

Just before half time, the Belgian was involved in what looked to be a minor collision with Inter duo Yann Sommer and Hakan Calhanoglu inside the penalty area, However, he immediately traipsed off the field for treatment. De Bruyne returned to play the last couple of minutes of the first half but was replaced at the interval by Ilkay Gündogan.

De Bruyne’s picking up a knock is far from ideal at the best of times, but four days before a crucial Premier League game at home to Arsenal is especially bad timing.

The Gunners pushed City all the way last season, finishing just two points behind the champions, and head to Manchester looking for a statement victory. The 33-year-old’s absence would surely make that more likely.

Guardiola offered De Bruyne hope against Arsenal

Guardiola had offered some hope that his star playmaker will be available for the top-of-the-table clash.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the former Barcelona coach revealed: “He feels a little better today... Tomorrow we train and we will see. He could be [involved].”

However, it seems City weren’t prepared to risk him aggravating the issue against Mikel Arteta’s side.