BREAKING news : Kevin De Bruyne tests positive for COVID 19!
By Harsha Movva
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kevin De Bruyne has been tested positive for COVID 19 amidst the International break in Belgium after the ‘GOLDEN GENERATION’ attained a direct ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The 30-year-old featured in both the qualifiers against Estonia and Wales helping the Belgian side secure a convincing 3-1 victory against the former and a 1-1 stalemate with the latter one. He was at his fluent best in both the fixtures and seems to have contracted the virus following the Wales clash.
In the pre-match press conference held on the eve of the Everton clash, Guardiola stated
"“We have Jack getting better after he went to the national team. Phil Foden came back with a knock and a problem in his leg, but he is getting better and unfortunately, Kevin got a positive test in Belgium and needs ten days.”“We found out two days ago, he is here. Forget about fitness and momentum, he ( De Bruyne ) is positive, now he has to recover.”“We have to be careful, people are dying from Covid, he is vaccinated so hopefully he will be okay. There is no concern about rhythm its about the human being.”"
The Belgian midfielder will now not only miss the home game against Everton but City have to cope with the Talisman’s absence for the crucial reverse fixture against arch-rivals Paris Saint Germain on matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League.
His availability to face the third-placed West-Ham is also in doubt with the matches fast approaching and the player’s rest period and fitness issues in focus.
In the eight appearances he made for Man City in the Premier League this season, he has scored twice and is surprisingly, yet to register an assist. The quality though which he brings to the table has been missing with his form blowing hot and cold owing to his love affair with injuries.
Manchester City are currently placed second in the title race, three points behind European Champions Chelsea. They are tied with West Ham on 23 points (ahead in Goal difference ) and a mere solitary point separating the fourth-placed Liverpool.
This is a crucial juncture in the year with both the Premier League and UCL matches approaching at a rapid rate and City will be gutted to miss the services of their Midfield Maestro Kevin De Bruyne.
Hope KDB has a speedy recovery!!