Kevin de Bruyne has been left out of the Manchester City squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Fulham due to injury. Pep Guardiola’s side can move top of the league with a victory at Craven Cottage following Wednesday’s crushing 4-1 win over leaders Arsenal. De Bruyne was in sublime form that evening, scoring twice against the Gunners and providing an assist but was not named in the 18-man squad for their trip to London. Guardiola told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off that the 31-year-old “doesn’t feel good” and has “some injury” which has ruled him out of the match. Julian Alvarez comes into the City XI to replace de Bruyne, with Nathan Ake also still absent after his recent hamstring injury.
De Bruyne has scored nine and provided 27 assists in all competitions this season with City hoping to clinch a sensational treble. A win over Fulham today will see them tighten their grip on the Premier League title while they are also heavy favourites to beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next week. Inter Milan or AC Milan await should they reach the final while Manchester United await in the FA Cup final on 3 June. Guardiola was unable to provide a timescale on de Bruyne’s return with the Real Madrid match in mind.