Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he will make a decision on Saturday on whether midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is fit enough to face title rivals Arsenal.
The 33-year-old is a major doubt for Sunday’s huge showdown at home to the Gunners after he suffered a knock and was withdrawn at half-time in Wednesday’s goalless draw with Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League.
"Kevin feels a little better, but not yet," Guardiola told the club’s official website. “Tomorrow we train and we will see. He could be involved."
De Bruyne has an impressive record when facing Arsenal, scoring eight times and providing four assists in 15 matches against them.
Just as notably, the influential Belgian was absent when Man City lost 1-0 at Arsenal in October last season, with the Gunners ending their 12-match losing streak against City and Mikel Arteta getting the better of Guardiola for the first time.
De Bruyne has started all four of Man City’s Premier League matches this season, scoring once and creating another goal.
The good news for Guardiola is that last season's EA SPORTS Player of the Season Phil Foden is back and ready to step up, having made just his second appearance of the season on Wednesday.
“He played a good 45 minutes in midweek and he was the best player last season and now he is fighting to be back," said Guardiola.
“His intensity and his movement in the pockets, he is one of the best in the world. You can imagine how pleased I am to have him back.”