Kevin De Bruyne absent again! Injured Manchester City talisman out for second consecutive game as he misses West Ham clash
- De Bruyne injured against Arsenal
- West Ham will be his second game missed
- UCL semi-final looming
WHAT HAPPENED? The Belgium international was forced off with the injury against Arsenal last week and missed Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday. His manager Pep Guardiola revealed on Tuesday that he is not yet back in team training.
Manchester City have a Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid next Tuesday but have not yet indicated whether De Bruyne will participate.
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WHAT THEY SAID: Guardiola told reporters a day before the West Ham game that De Bruyne "started to move but didn’t train with the team".
Manchester City's official website added: "De Bruyne was substituted towards the end of City’s 4-1 win over Arsenal last week after reportedly indicating to the bench that he felt a twinge in his leg.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: De Bruyne is arguably the greatest playmaker in Premier League history, and Manchester City would struggle to replace his creative spark if he's forced to miss the Real Madrid tie.
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WHAT NEXT? De Bruyne will be re-assessed after Manchester City's game against West Ham, with the first leg against Real Madrid just six days away.