Pep Guardiola gives Kevin De Bruyne injury update ahead of Manchester City games v Watford & Newcastle

Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne will not be available to face Watford on Tuesday night but said the Belgian’s injury is not a long-term concern.

Manchester City are back in action a little over 48 hours after their last game, the fiery 2-2 draw against Arsenal, and face Tom Cleverly’s side in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The compact fixture schedule means Guardiola is expected to heavily rotate his side for the cup tie, with several youngsters and fringe members of the squad likely to be handed starting berths. However, De Bruyne won’t be one of those changes and he also remains a doubt for the weekend trip to Newcastle United.

“I don’t think it will be long, but was not able today [against Arsenal]. I would not say Watford, I don’t know Newcastle but it will not be long,” the City boss said ahead of the Watford clash.

De Bruyne picked up the injury in last week’s Champions League draw against Inter Milan and he was withdrawn at half-time. 

Elsewhere, Rodri is not another midfielder who is likely to miss the game after he was replaced against Arsenal. The Spaniard fell to the ground following an innocuous moment in the box and appeared to be in real discomfort before he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

“I don’t know yet. I have not asked the doctors,” was Guardiola’s post-match response when asked about the injury on Sunday.

“Rodri is a strong man and he leaves the pitch because he feels something. Otherwise he stays there. He is the best holding midfielder in the world and a potential Ballon d’Or winner. But we have to handle it.”

City face Watford just two days after the Arsenal game as Wednesday was not viable due to Manchester United being in Europa League action that night, while Thursday would have left the team with less than 48 hours to recover ahead of the trip to Newcastle United this weekend. The Champions League clash at Slovan Bratislava also meant next week was not an option.