Injury rules De Bruyne out for up to six weeks
Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City face a huge challenge dealing with the loss of the “irreplaceable” Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgium midfielder was ruled out for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring.
De Bruyne was forced off in the second half of Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and Guardiola said his regular captain and talisman would now be sidelined for “between four and six weeks”.
The news is a bitter setback to City’s hopes of winning a third Premier League title in four seasons and could mean De Bruyne misses the club’s next eight league matches, including crucial games against Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, and the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Monchengladbach.
City coped with the loss of De Bruyne for a total of five months during their second title win under Guardiola, who has urged his squad to summon a similar spirit as they try to maintain the momentum that has kept them unbeaten for 16 matches, including winning their past nine games in all competitions.
“It is [a big blow], but we have to move forward,” the City manager said. “We’re going to miss Kevin a lot. He’s almost irreplaceable, with the quality he has. He was nominated the best player in the Premier League last season, so we know how good he is.
“But, you need something that is irreplaceable, too – the charisma, commitment, the relationship in the locker room. You cannot win titles without respect between players.
“On and off the pitch, they are not friends, but almost friends to fight together. Quality does not win titles. It wins games, but titles are won because there is something the captains build for the team and everyone accepts it.”
Guardiola is also without Sergio Aguero, who is undergoing a second period of self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus. Defender Kyle Walker was also forced off against Villa with an impact injury, but may be available again against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.