City assess full extent of De Bruyne’s hamstring injury

MANCHESTER CITY ARE waiting to hear the full extent of Kevin de Bruyne’s injury after the Belgian limped off during his side’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Swansea on Saturday.

The 25-year-old pulled up in the 81st minute of the fixture with a suspected hamstring strain that could rule the midfielder out for City’s next four games.

De Bruyne (caricature) was expected to undergo a scan yesterday to determine the extent of his injury.

Speaking after the game, manager Pep Guardiola said: “I think De Bruyne is injured. From the way he reacted, I think it’s a muscular injury.

“I don’t know how serious it is. I am not a doctor. Tonight we travel back to Manchester City and tomorrow the doctor is going to see what the problem is.

“It’s a pity that this has happened because Kevin is an important player for us. But that is why we have a big squad, so everyone can help us.”

The Belgian has started the season in emphatic form, scoring two goals against Manchester United and Bournemouth while providing five assists across City’s six Premier League games so far.

Guardiola recently hailed the player as second only to Lionel Messi. City’s manager said: “Messi is on a table on his own. No-one else is allowed. But the table beside, Kevin can sit there.” But the Catalan will be expected to make do without the midfielder as his side prepare for their ‘Battle of Britain’ clash against Celtic in the Champions League tomorrow. Having won their first game 4-0 against German side Borussia Monchengladbach, they are looking to continue their 100 per cent record in their group ahead of a difficult double header with Barcelona. – The Independent