De Bruyne out for weeks as Aguero tests positive

MANCHESTER CITY talisman Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s win over Aston Villa, throwing into doubt his inclusion for next month’s clash with Liverpool.

De Bruyne was forced off just before the hour mark after pulling up during a sprint. The 29-year-old, a driving force behind City’s recent resurgence, has experienced hamstring problems before and is expected to miss the next few weeks.

Pep Guardiola’s side face West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Burnley in the Premier League ahead of a potentially pivotal trip to Anfield against Jurgen Klopp’s defending champions on February 7.

News of De Bruyne’s injury came on the same day that Sergio Aguero confirmed that he has contracted coronavirus.

The Argentine had already been self-isolating after coming into contact with a friend who had the virus. He returned a positive earlier this week and is likely to return to training towards the end of next week. The striker has not started a match since October 24 after battling with injury.

Yesterday was a year to the day since the 32-year-old last scored in the Premier League, with talks over a new contract yet to begin despite his deal expiring at the end of the season.

The absence of De Bruyne is seen as the biggest blow to City. The Belgian now has 100 assists for the club and has created more chances than any other Premier League player this season. Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden will be asked to take on greater creative responsibility as the club’s vice-captain recovers.

Meanwhile, Villa manager Dean Smith has been charged by the Football Association for using foul and insulting language towards an official in City’s 2-0 win.

Smith was left furious by the circumstances surrounding Silva’s opener, when Rodri came back from an offside position to dispossess Tyrone Mings, and was sent to the stands by Jon Moss for his protestations.

‘It wasn’t swear words,’ Smith said. ‘He (Moss) came over and said he was interpreting the laws of the game. I said, “Well you should have done that earlier in the game”. I think I got treated unfairly. I’ve heard a lot of things said to Jonathan Moss before and he’s not dealt with it like that.’

Smith has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.