Kevin De Bruyne hooked at half-time after hobbling on pitch sparking fitness fears for huge Man City vs Arsenal clash
KEVIN DE BRUYNE was substituted at half-time against Inter Milan over an injury concern.
The Manchester City talisman appeared to be in some discomfort shortly before half-time as he pulled up with a problem.
He grimaced after sprinting to reach a pass and clutched his groin area.
Physios came onto the pitch to chat to De Bruyne but he was cleared to play the final few minutes of the first half.
But the Belgian, who was seen hobbling at one point, did not look comfortable as he headed down the tunnel at half-time.
He was taken off at the break with Ilkay Gundogan coming on in his place as City searched for an opener against Inter Milan.
De Bruyne, 33, may have been taken off as a precaution but there will now be concerns over whether he will be fit for the crucial clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won four from four in the Premier League this season but face their first big test so far against the Gunners.
Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola was unable to provide any assurances about De Bryne’s fitness.
He told TNT Sports: “I didn’t speak with the doctors yet, maybe I will speak later.”
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Arsenal welcome Declan Rice back from suspension for the clash with Man city but will be without captain Martin Odegaard once again.
Odegaard picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway which Mikel Arteta admits is “serious”.
Speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday, he said: “After everything was scanned, the scan showed he has got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him.
“I don’t want to [give a timeline] because I am not a doctor but it is something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months but let’s see.”