Kevin De Bruyne hands Man City latest blow as Arsenal get new Premier League title boost

Pep Guardiola has candidly expressed his doubts about Kevin De Bruyne's future at Manchester City if the Belgian does not regain his top form. De Bruyne's contract, due to expire in July, hangs in the balance as the midfield maestro battles with injury-related issues, admitting that his last significant appearance was against Inter Milan in September's Champions League match.

Guardiola conveyed his belief that De Bruyne, aged 33 and a pivotal figure since his £55million move from Wolfsburg in 2015, would not settle for a diminished role, stating: "Kevin, I'm pretty sure, will be honest. He will want to finish here after this season or the next one, or the next one, at his best. I don't think he will be here when he believes he doesn't feel he can be the Kevin that can produce and help the team like he has done in the last decade. I'm pretty sure of that."

Guardiola further compared the situation to that of former player David Silva, suggesting that De Bruyne will make the optimal choice for both himself and the team and will not accept being anything less than his best self. "In these kind of situations, like David Silva was, he will decide the best for him and the team because I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to be in the position that cannot be - I'm not saying playing every three days for 11 months - but when he performs he has to play as the best Kevin as possible, and unfortunately with the injuries he could not deliver."

De Bruyne has revealed that he has been suffering from an abdominal issue for the past two months, which was so painful that he couldn't even kick the ball. He felt some relief after his substitute appearance against Tottenham on Saturday and is uncertain about his plans for the summer.

De Bruyne had initial contract discussions with City in the summer, but has put them on hold until he is fully recovered. "Honestly, I don't know," he admitted.

De Bruyne's future being in the air offers hope to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool moving forward. He has been such an integral part of the Man City machine that has seen them win the last four Premier League titles in a row. If he leaves, he would leave big shoes to fill and the title challengers would look to capitalise.

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