City played out a 0-0 draw in their Champions League opener against Inter at the Etihad. Head coach Pep Guardiola started a strong team but had to navigate the second half without talisman De Bruyne after he clashed with goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Despite playing on until half-time, the Belgium midfielder did not re-emerge from the tunnel after the break.

City have proven they can cope without De Bruyne before and played a lot of last season without him. But with a huge clash against Arsenal just a few days away, players, fans and fitness staff will be hoping that the 33-year-old has not been hurt too badly.

De Bruyne missed 41 games for club and country last term, most of that through a hamstring injury. And with one year left on his contract at City, he may be on borrowed time if he is sidelined for another long period.

City have less than four days to prepare for the home clash against the Gunners. That is one day more than Arsenal, who play in the Champions League 24 hours after the Premier League champions.