Kevin De Bruyne a Carabao Cup final doubt as Pep Guardiola admits injury ‘doesn’t look good’ after Chelsea defeat
PEP GUARDIOLA admits Kevin de Bruyne’s injury “doesn’t look good” after Manchester City’s main man limped out of Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final loss against Chelsea.
Playmaker KDB was replaced by Phil Foden early in the second half after twisting awkwardly on his ankle as City’s Quadruple dream ended.
De Bruyne looked in discomfort as he went off – eight days before Guardiola’s men return to Wembley to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final.
And the playmaker is now a major doubt for the showdown with Spurs, as well as City’s Champions League semi-final double-header with Paris Saint-Germain.
Etihad chief Guardiola said: “It doesn’t look good. He has pain.”
KDB was being harried by midfield workhorse N’Golo Kante near the touchline when he suddenly hobbled away.
There seemed to be no contact between the two players but De Bruyne was clearly hurt – receiving treatment before his substitution.
City‘s problems grew stronger seven minutes later when Chelsea deservedly notched the only goal of a tight tactical battle.
Timo Werner burst clear down the left to slot the ball across for Hakim Ziyech to flash home.
City struggled to break Chelsea down, before and after KDB’s unfortunate departure.
KDB AND KANE SCARES
And the Belgium superstar’s impressive replacement Foden was soon pushed forward from midfield – once Ilkay Gundogan came on for winger Ferran Torres.
De Bruyne’s fitness doubt mirrors that of Spurs’ key striker Harry Kane.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has suggested he will know by this Sunday – following ankle scans – if the England skipper can take on City in next weekend’s showpiece.
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Kane had limped off seconds from time after netting twice in Friday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton.
KDB’s frustration deepened as City pushed forward in vain late on.
And in the end Chelsea’s organisational masterpiece earned an FA Cup final against either Leicester or Southampton.