Arsenal handed title boost as Man City given concerning double injury update

Pep Guardiola is still uncertain about when Kevin De Bruyne will make his return for title rivals Manchester City, five weeks after sustaining what was initially described as a minor injury. The midfielder suffered a thigh problem during the draw with Inter, but Guardiola downplayed the severity of the issue.

Despite expectations for a return post the October international break, the player has yet to reappear on the pitch. Although he's back in training with the Blues, he's not expected to participate in Wednesday's Champions League match against Sparta Prague.

This will mark the seventh consecutive game the 33 year old has missed this season, following a promising start. Guardiola doesn't view it as a major concern but insists that his playmaker must be fully fit before returning.

"It's not a big issue but he doesn't feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old anymore," he said, via the . "He has to be fit completely for his football. He has to be completely comfortable or he cannot express his potential.

"He is training a little bit better. He said to me he still doesn't feel good, so take your time. He has to be [100% ready]."

Guardiola had no positive updates regarding Kyle Walker either, who returned from England duty with a knee issue. He couldn't travel to Wolves on Sunday and is also likely to miss the upcoming Champions League match.

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When questioned about the potential duration of the absence, the manager responded: "I don't know."

Arsenal will be watching the updates with interest City currently sit in second place in the table, three points ahead of the Gunners. After midweek Champions League action for both sides City take on Southampton at the Etihad Stadium while Arsenal have a key game against Liverpool.