Pep Guardiola hints at Kevin De Bruyne injury return date after Man City blow | OneFootball

Belgium star to miss Saturday’s trip to Newcastle in the Premier League

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful Kevin De Bruyne will be able to feature before next month’s international break.

The playmaker was forced off during City’s 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League and duly missed the heated 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.

De Bruyne then sat out the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Watford on Tuesday and will not be available for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.

“No [he is not ready to play],” he said.

“Maybe before the international break [he will be available again].”

It is another big blow for City, who confirmed on Friday that key midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a serious knee problem.

City first travel to St James’ Park before a visit to Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday as the Champions League starts up again.

They then host Fulham on Saturday October 5 before the international break runs between Monday October 7 and Tuesday October 15.

City resume their League campaign away at Wolves on Sunday October 20.