Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne says he feels “alright” after sustaining an ankle injury during the 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night.
Some supporters feared the worst when the Belgian was forced off with 20 minutes to go but speaking about his fitness ahead of the title decider against West Ham this weekend, De Bruyne said:
“I think I’m alright. It’s a bit sore, in that moment it felt a little bit like a knife going down my leg. But it’s an impact injury so it’s not bad, not bad. We will be alright.”
Fans on X were understandably relieved that De Bruyne has avoided a serious injury:
Thank goodness
— Samantha 🫧 (@shadesofkaylor) May 15, 2024
Thank God KDB isn’t severely injured.
— Jake Pritchard (@JakePritchardFC) May 15, 2024
Great news for City!
— Mark Lundie (@MarkLundie1) May 15, 2024
So glad it’s not too bad
— Faisal 🇵🇸 (@MCFCFas) May 15, 2024
Please be there on Sunday my king
— shegzzz (@ChrisYo141291) May 15, 2024
Anybody who has had the misfortune of sustaining an Achilles injury will recognise the ‘it felt like a knife’ bit!
— Mark Eastwood (@Record_Peddler) May 15, 2024
YEAHHHHH
— ✪ᴀᴛᴛᴀꜰᴛᴀ.ᴡᴀʏɴᴇ✪ (@zayn_MCFC) May 15, 2024
We need a hat-trick of assist from him on Sunday
— Patrick (@PatoEner) May 15, 2024
Pray for westham
— Abduuu! (@a_abbkr) May 15, 2024
Thank God
— OluSaltz 🇬🇧🤗💜 (@OluSaltz) May 15, 2024
De Bruyne’s creativity is so important for City
The 32-year-old got his 18th assist in 24 matches this season against Spurs when he crossed the ball for Erling Haaland to score the opener.
That sort of vision and passing ability can be the difference between drawing and winning in a tightly-fought contest and the West Ham fixture could potentially become that if nerves play a part.
If De Bruyne is on the pitch on Sunday, fans will breathe slightly easier as they know his presence will greatly increase City’s chances of securing the victory they need to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title.