Manchester City suffer massive blow as star player suffers hamstring injury ahead of Arsenal clash - Reports

Manchester City have reportedly been dealt a huge blow as Kevin de Bruyne appears to have suffered a hamstring injury. The Belgian was subbed off in their clash against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, September 18.

The Cityzens hosted Inter in their first Champions League game of the season on Wednesday. It ended in a goalless draw as the two sides shared the points in the new format. De Bruyne, who started the game, appeared to struggle towards the end of the first half. Ilkay Gundogan replaced him at half-time.

As per Manchester Evening News, Manchester City's doctors told Pep Guardiola about De Bruyne's situation. The Spaniard mentioned in his post-match press conference that he was going to make the substitution anyway due to tactical reasons. He said:

"I didn't speak with the doctors yet. I will have more info tomorrow. 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."

Manchester City are set to face Premier League title challengers Arsenal at the Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22. They will hope De Bruyne's apparent injury wasn't too serious.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on if he will manage in Italy someday

Pep Guardiola has had huge success as a manager in Spain with Barcelona, in Germany with Bayern Munich, and now in England with Manchester City. He hasn't managed in Italy yet but he did spend two years in the country as a player with Brescia and AS Roma.

After City's goalless draw against Inter Milan, Guardiola was asked if he would manage in Italy someday. He answered (via Manchester World):

“I love Italy but I really enjoy being here. I love English football. It is fantastic, I really enjoy it. They leave you alone to get on with your job. That doesn’t happen anywhere else. This is a great club; I really feel good here. I am pleased to be here.”

Manchester City appointed Pep Guardiola as manager in 2016 and he's since won six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League, among other honors. His contract expires next summer though.