De Bruyne injury concern as City cruise through

MANCHESTER CITY progress to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, but at what cost?

A comfortable night’s work against Fulham, with a 2-0 win sealed by goals from youngster Brahim Diaz, ended in concern for this outstanding side’s outstanding player.

Kevin De Bruyne, still recovering from a two-and-a-half month lay-off with a knee ligament injury, left the pitch clutching his leg in the closing stages after tussling with Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

City’s medical staff immediately decided that De Bruyne should not be risked.

Pep Guardiola shared a word with his playmaker as he was replaced in the 86th minute and the full extent of the problem may only be known in the coming days, though they will take hope from the fact De Bruyne was holding his left leg, having previously injured his right.

It was a sour note to end a night that otherwise belonged to Diaz.

The 19-year-old, nurtured through the club’s academy yet at risk of leaving on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer, sealed a place in the last eight with his first senior goals.

Whether Diaz stays or goes is unclear. After a stall in negotiations, these goals may tempt the club to return to the table with a stronger offer. (© Independent News Service)