Massive Blow

 Manchester City will have to solider on without a key contributor.

Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be out between 4-6 weeks with a hamstring problem.

The Belgian played just over an hour in the team’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa before being taken off grabbing his leg.

This news comes as a major blow to a City side unbeaten in their last 16 matches across all competitions.

The Sky Blues have a 100% record thus far in 2021 and sit just two points back of rivals Manchester United for the Premier League title.

De Bruyne’s been a big part of City’s success lately with three goals and 10 assists in league play.

Guardiola says the team needs to step up in his absence.

“We have to move forward,” said Guardiola. “I’m not saying that nobody doesn’t know about his importance.

“Unfortunately for him and us, he’ll be out for an important part of the season, and we have to find a solution because everyone’s struggling in this situation, and we have to adapt.

“The players don’t want to get injured, but they are human. Why in the FA Cup can we use five subs but, in the league, not? It is a different competition. Is it a special one? It’s not just because it’s Kevin. It is everyone for the past five seasons. It is too many games.”

If it takes De Bruyne a full six weeks to recover he’ll miss at least nine matches for the Sky Blues.

The includes the first leg of their Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach.

He would be pushing to draw into the lineup for the Manchester derby on March 6.

Guardiola said Kyle Walker will also miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Cheltenham FC along with De Bruyne.

Tomorrow’s game goes at 5:30 from Jonny-Rocks Stadium. (JSL).