Man City injury update: Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb latest news and return dates

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·19 September 2024

Man City injury update: Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb latest news and return dates

Pep Guardiola is missing two players ahead of Arsenal showdown

Manchester City have been dealt an injury scare to Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Sunday’s visit of Arsenal in a huge Premier League title test.

OneFootball Videos

Pep Guardiola has in the last week been able to welcome both Rodri and Phil Foden back into the fold after fitness injury, but has also lost centre-back Nathan Ake for a number of week after the pre-season blow to Oscar Bobb.

And now influential De Bruyne is a doubt for the title clash at the Etihad after coming off at half-time against Inter Milan.

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne looked uncomfortable in the closing moments of the first half on Wednesday night and did not reappear for the second half.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Guardiola confirmed the team doctors said De Bruyne was unable to continue but the substitution was planned in any case.

"I will have more info tomorrow,” he told reporters, before adding. “The way [Inter] defend, I was thinking after 35 minutes that I wanted to make this substitution.

“After the doctor said to me that Kevin was not ready to play but I was ready to make this substitution anyway."

Guardiola will issue a fresh update on De Bruyne at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Potential return date: Sunday, September 22 vs Arsenal

Setback: Manchester City defender Nathan Ake was injured on international duty with the Netherlands

Getty Images

Nathan Ake

Ake is expected to be out for around a month after picking up a thigh injury during the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Germany last week.

Ake missed the victory over Brentford and is not set to return until late October.

“Injured, I think until the next international break,” Guardiola said. “We are unlucky with Nathan - every time he goes [to play for the Netherlands], he comes back injured.”

Potential return date: Sunday October 20, vs Wolves

[object Object]

Getty Images

Oscar Bobb

Bobb is unlikely to return until the end of the year after fracturing a bone in his leg before the season started.

The 21-year-old started City’s penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the Community Shield last month, before suffering a long-term injury in training.

“It was in the training session,” Guardiola said. “Unfortunately, he had a big impact and got injured. He is having surgery.

“Hopefully, it will go well, and he will be back in 3-4 months.”

Potential return date: December 2024