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Kevin De Bruyne misses the Manchester City starting lineup for Real Madrid clash due to illness

Originally posted on Esteemed Kompany | By Adam Marrett | Last updated 4/9/24

Kevin De Bruyne has missed out on selection for Manchester City’s starting lineup against Real Madrid tonight. It was a surprise to see the club legend not named in the starting eleven for tonight’s massive match at the Bernabeu. But the cause of De Bruyne missing the starting lineup has been revealed.

Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail has reported via his official X account that Kevin De Bruyne is feeling unwell. It is a blow for Manchester City, given the sparkling performance from the Belgian international against Crystal Palace on the weekend.

City saying that De Bruyne is unwell.

— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) April 9, 2024

While it is a blow for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, it does open up the possibility of Phil Foden starting in a more central role. City’s academy poster boy has starred for the European champions so far this season. While it would be expected that the City line up will rotate positions at various stages of tonight’s game, Foden could now feature prominently in midfield. It is a tantalising prospect given the dazzling displays from the England international this season.

In more positive news for the treble winners, Josko Gvardiol has taken his place at left-back for tonight’s match. The Croatian international was in doubt for the clash with Real Madrid after missing training yesterday. But he has been named in the starting lineup, which is a boost for Manchester City.

While it is a blow to lose Kevin De Bruyne from the starting lineup, he will be on the bench if required. The hope now is that the City legend can recover from illness to start against Luton Town this Saturday.

This article first appeared on Esteemed Kompany and was syndicated with permission.

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