What Kevin De Bruyne injury means for Man City vs Arsenal - return date and starting XI hint

Kevin De Bruyne is the second Manchester City player to withdraw from international duty after Ederson's injury picked up at Liverpool - but he could be fit to face Arsenal on Easter Sunday.

De Bruyne was not named in the Belgium squad, where he was expected to be included for the first time in a year, because he has been suffering with an underlying groin problem. Dominic Tedesco, Belgium manager, confirmed the decision was made to 'protect' De Bruyne from aggravating his injury so to ensure he can play at Euro 2024 in the summer.

That suggests a more worrying development for City, if Belgium are looking so far ahead, but it could equally be the case that the move is precautionary and he simply needs a week or two of rest. With Arsenal up next in the Premier League for City on Easter Sunday, what could De Bruyne's latest injury mean for that particular title showdown?

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We only know what Tedesco told us in his press conference on Thursday. He said: “Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided that the risk is too great. It is our responsibility to take into account the player, but also the player's team.

"It must make sense to call up a player. If he cannot play or train, it is our responsibility to protect him. It's better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship. We can't take any risks now, especially not with Kevin.”

That suggests the move is precautionary, but there is enough risk to warrant leaving De Bruyne out completely, especially if he