Pep Guardiola provides latest Kevin De Bruyne and Savinho injury update ahead of Arsenal tie

Pep Guardiola admitted uncertainty over Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness leading up to the match against Arsenal but hinted he was considering substituting the midfielder even before the injury occurred.

De Bruyne appeared to have an issue in the closing moments of the first half and did not return for the second half, with Phil Foden taking his place.

Savinho was also substituted at that time, with Ilkay Gundogan entering the pitch.

Since joining the club this summer from Troyes in a £21 million deal, Savinho has faced several challenges.

He came off at halftime in the opening Premier League match against Chelsea, missed the trip to West Ham due to a knee injury, exited the Brentford match with a late-game problem, and was substituted at halftime against Inter.

De Bruyne was making his fifth consecutive start for the Blues, following his contributions in their four Premier League matches and two appearances for Belgium during the international break.

Pep Guardiola received an update from the medical team about De Bruyne before the second half, although he had not discussed the severity of the injury prior to the press conference.

Nevertheless, he indicated that both substitutions were tactical decisions.

“I didn’t speak with the doctors yet. I will have more info tomorrow,” he said.

“Against a team that defended 5-3-2 and five players went to one side, they could not make contact with Rodri and you have to turn the ball quick and we needed players special for small spaces.

“Rico [Lewis], Phil and Gundo are the best in the pockets, in the small spaces.

“Phil turned and shot and Gundo was there for the two crosses.

“The way they defend, I was thinking after 35 minutes that I wanted to make this substitution.

“After the doctor said to me that Kevin was not ready to play but I was ready to make this substitution anyway.”

Arsenal will be without Martin Odegaard for Sunday’s match following an ankle injury he sustained while on international duty with Norway.

However, Declan Rice is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension in the previous game against Tottenham Hotspur.

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