Which games is De Bruyne at risk of missing?
City face Cheltenham in the FA Cup at the weekend before playing West Brom away, Sheffield United at home and Burnley away in the Premier League.
After that fairly forgiving run they then travel to Anfield on February 7, before playing Tottenham at home and Arsenal away. A few days later they meet Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on February 24, so City will want their talisman back as soon as possible.
How can City replace him?
De Bruyne continues to be City’s chief creative force but they have seen others take a bigger share of the burden in recent weeks, with Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva having a greater influence than earlier in the season.
Silva, in particular, stands out as the most likely man-for-man replacement. The Portuguese did a fine job in 2018-19, when De Bruyne missed much of the season with various injuries, and in recent weeks he has returned to something like that form. At Stamford Bridge earlier this month he was restored to De Bruyne’s attacking midfield role, with the Belgian playing up front, and he looked back to his best.
Foden is another player who could step into De Bruyne’s shoes, as Pep Guardiola sees him as more similar to the former Chelsea man than David Silva, but Foden has shone in the front three and provides a unique presence on the left-hand side, with City’s other left footers, like Silva and Mahrez, preferring to cut inside from the right.
Do City have any other injury worries?
After a bout of COVID-19 infections after Christmas the City squad is fairly healthy again, although Sergio Aguero has now tested positive, while Kyle Walker was also substituted against Aston Villa.
Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are nearing returns from hamstring injuries, with the Frenchman expected back in the squad either against Cheltenham or West Brom.
(Photo: Visionhaus)
