Manchester City fans can breathe a sigh of relief as sources have indicated that Kevin De Bruyne is on track to be fit for the upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal. After missing the FA Cup quarterfinal and Belgium’s friendly matches due to a groin injury, De Bruyne has returned to training with the Under-23s. This development raises hopes that the influential midfielder will be ready for selection against the Gunners.
In addition to De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, who has been recovering from a muscle injury, has also been spotted training at the City Football Academy this week. The return of these key players provides a much-needed boost for manager Pep Guardiola, who is facing concerns over the fitness of Kyle Walker and John Stones.
Walker was forced off during England’s recent match against Brazil with a hamstring injury, while Stones picked up an adductor problem during the game against Belgium. The availability of these two defenders for the upcoming matches remains in doubt, adding to Guardiola’s selection headaches.
In addition to the injury concerns, City have expressed disappointment over the scheduling of their FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea. Originally expecting to play on a Sunday, City were informed that the match would take place a day earlier at Wembley. This decision has raised concerns about the limited recovery time for the players, especially considering the tight fixture schedule ahead.
Following the FA Cup semifinal, City are set to face Brighton before traveling to Nottingham Forest for another match. The congested fixture list poses challenges for Guardiola in terms of managing player fitness and ensuring optimal performance on the field.
The fitness of key players like Kevin De Bruyne plays a crucial role in Manchester City’s success in the league and cup competitions. Guardiola and his medical staff will be closely monitoring the situation and making important decisions regarding team selection based on the available information. As the season reaches its climax, every match becomes vital, and having a fully fit squad can make all the difference in achieving the desired results.