European Leagues

De Bruyne to miss clash due to injury

Pep Guardiola has revealed Kevin De Bruyne will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle as the Belgium midfielder battles to return from injury for the final weeks of his side’s treble chase.

De Bruyne has been left out of Belgium’s squad for their forthcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and England because of a groin strain.

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco claimed De Bruyne has been struggling with the problem for the “last few matches”.

City boss Guardiola said the 32-year-old felt the injury before he was substituted in the second half of last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League.

De Bruyne had already missed a large chunk of the season after aggravating a hamstring injury in City’s league opener at Burnley in August.

He will be sidelined for Newcastle’s visit to the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola could not confirm if he would be available for the crucial showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 31.

“He already played in Anfield with some problems. But he is getting better. He is not ready for tomorrow,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“We spoke with the manager of Belgium and he decided. That’s why I’m grateful because he didn’t feel good. Hopefully now he can recover for the last part of the season.

“All the players today in modern football, they are not clean (healthy). Always they have problems. The day after the game he didn’t feel good, so it’s better to take a step back.”

De Bruyne is not Guardiola’s only injury concern as Brazil goalkeeper Ederson will also miss the Newcastle game.

Ederson came off against Liverpool with a muscle injury and Stefan Ortega will deputise against Newcastle.

Guardiola is hopeful Ederson can recover to face Arsenal, who sit one point ahead of third placed City in a gripping title race.

“Ederson is getting better, hopefully he will be ready after the international break,” he said.

If City beat Newcastle this weekend, they will remain in contention to win a second successive Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble.

In the Champions League quarter-final draw on Friday, they were once again pitted against Real Madrid after beating the Spanish giants in the semi-finals last year and losing at the same stage in 2022.

“It looks likes a little bit of tradition, three years in a row playing the king of the competition, who have won 14 Champions Leagues,” Guardiola said.

“It is what it is. Hopefully we can arrive in a good moment. It’s still a few weeks before the first game in Madrid. We will see.”

On City’s treble hopes, Guardiola added: “I don’t think about that right now. In the last month of the season I will let you know.

“Now is a quarter-final against a top team in the FA Cup. Then we have the international break, we recover and play another final against Arsenal.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.