Pep Guardiola gives update on Kevin De Bruyne injury as Arsenal handed title blow

Arsenal have been handed a blow to their slim hopes of winning the Premier League title after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola issued an update on the injuries suffered by Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake.

Belgian midfielder De Bruyne missed City's 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, with Guardiola giving little away on the extent of the damage.

He told Sky Sports: "He doesn't feel good. He has some injury and he could not travel. No, I don't know [when he will be back]."

The injury did little to stop City's winning momentum, as they defeated Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage - but any extended absence would weaken Guardiola's side and potentially give Arsenal a path back to the summit of the division after their 4-1 defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium last week.

Ake, meanwhile, has missed the last three games through injury - but Guardiola has confirmed that both players are getting closer to returns.

Guardiola gives De Bruyne, Ake update

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of City's Premier League fixture against West Ham on Wednesday, the Spaniard explained that Ake has trained with the squad this week as the Dutchman prepares to make a comeback.

Furthermore, he stated that De Bruyne has begun his recovery, but did not confirm his participation in the side's final training session before the Hammers clash.

He explained (quotes via MEN's Tyrone Marshall): "Nathan trained with us yesterday and feels good. Kevin started to move but hasn't trained with the team. We have training again at 4pm."

Prior to his injury, Ake played in nine games during City's 11-game winning run in all competitions, before a hamstring injury forced him off against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Guardiola's side were 1-0 up at that point, only to concede a late penalty scored by Joshua Kimmich.

His return, therefore, would be a major boost for City as they look to secure their third consecutive Premier League title.

Topics: Arsenal, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, Injury, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.