ImpactDe Bruyne is not expected to play during Sunday's clash, though the club hasn't officially ruled him out yet. That's obviously disappointing for such a crucial clash, though the good news is he's not expected to be out long-term. If De Bruyne is on the sideline, City would likely turn to returning midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The 33-year-old has missed City's past four fixtures after sustaining a thigh injury in September's 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League. De Bruyne, who is on course to return to action in mid-October, was set to be left out of Belgium's Nations League squad for matches against Italy and France later this month through injury.

De Bruyne was injured playing for Manchester City against Inter Milan in the Champions League last month and has missed the English champions’ last four fixtures. City manager Pep Guardiola had already confirmed that De Bruyne was expected to be out until after the international break next week with a muscular injury.