Man City XI vs Sevilla: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for UEFA Super Cup today
De Bruyne picked up another serious hamstring injury during Friday’s opening Premier League win over Burnley, forcing him off in the first half.
City boss Pep Guardiola has since confirmed that the Belgian faces a lengthy period on the sidelines, with worrying reports that he could even be sidelined until the New Year.
“It’s serious – a big blow, really tough for us,” Guardiola said. “We have to decide whether he has surgery or no surgery but it will be a few months out. In the next days we will decide on surgery.
“The injury is a big loss, Kevin has specific qualities. You can lose him for one or two games but for a long time it’s really tough for us. But you have to look forward.
“We have alternatives with different skills, different talents. It’s another opportunity [for others] – life gives you that. I’m pretty sure they will take it.”
Defensive duo John Stones and Ruben Dias both missed out against Burnley and neither will be involved in Athens tonight as Champions League holders and Treble kings City face last season’s Europa League winners Sevilla.
Stones is suffering with an abductor injury, while Dias suffered a blow to the head in training and so faces a seven-day spell on the sidelines in line with concussion protocols.
In the absence of Stones and Dias, Josko Gvardiol could make his full City debut, having come off the bench late on at Turf Moor. That would likely see Nathan Ake move out to the left-back position he played in regularly last season.
Mateo Kovacic is expected to come into the side, with Phil Foden potentially playing in a deeper midfield role with Bernardo Silva also out through illness. That would leave room for Jack Grealish to return to the starting lineup, having been left on the bench against Burnley.
Predicted Man City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic, Foden; Alvarez, Haaland, Grealish
Injured: Stones, Dias, De Bruyne, Silva
Doubts: None
Suspended: None
Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday August 16, 2023
Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, Greece
