MIDFIELDER FACES SIX WEEKS OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
Kevin De Bruyne will face up to six weeks on the sidelines as League Cup holders Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Fulham on Thursday night came at a cost.
De Bruyne limped off in the closing minutes of City’s victory at the Etihad Stadium after falling awkwardly in a clash with Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
The 27-year-old had scans yesterday that revealed the left knee injury is serious enough that he is unlikely to be back in action until mid-December, although he does not require surgery.
De Bruyne only recently returned from another knee problem that forced him to miss two months this season, limiting the Belgium international to five appearances.
His absence during a busy period is a major blow for Premier League leaders City, who face crucial Uefa Champions League fixtures, the Manchester derby and a trip to Chelsea before De Bruyne is likely to be fit.
“Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered ligament damage in his left knee,” a statement on City’s website said.
“The Belgian underwent scans ■ on Friday at the CFA. No surgery is needed but he is expected to be out for between five and six weeks.”
City manager Pep Guardiola will hope his influential Belgian star is able to make a quick recovery as they head into such a busy period.
Until the injury, Guardiola felt it was the most complete performance of De Bruyne’s comeback, but now he must fret over his fitness again.
“I think today Kevin is back. The Kevin we know,” he said. “Today he was involved in offence and defence.”
De Bruyne’s injury overshadowed a memorable evening for youngster Brahim Diaz.
Diaz was making only his third appearance of the season and the promising Spanish striker seized his chance with a brace at the Etihad Stadium.
The 19-year-old’s goals ensured City advance to face Leicester City or Southampton in the last eight.
Diaz has been linked with a move to Real Madrid among other top European sides, but Guardiola confirmed City are keen to hold on to their hot prospect.
“They know how we want to protect them and to try to help them understand the way we want to play,” Guardiola said.
With the English champions having won at Tottenham in the Premier League on Monday, Guardiola rested many of his stars among 10 changes.
Diaz opened the scoring with his first City goal in the 19th minute. A short corner found its way to Vincent Kompany at the far post and Diaz ran on to his header down to hit a powerful shot which deflected past the goalkeeper off Aleksander Mitrovic. They had to wait until the 65th minute for the second goal to come as Diaz netted again.
Fulham never threatened to stop City keeping a fifth successive clean-sheet in all competitions.
Matthew Smith
Manchester City statement