Man City handed second major injury blow just weeks before pivotal Arsenal clash as Liverpool watch on

Manchester City will be sweating on an injury blow ahead of a clash with Arsenal on the other side of the international break. The Gunners are now on an extended break after beating Porto in the Champions League, with the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend ahead of the international break.

In just over two weeks, Arsenal will take on City in their biggest remaining test as they look to go one better than last season in winning the Premier League title. City held on to a draw against Liverpool last time out, and as they prepare for an FA Cup clash with Newcastle United, Pep Guardiola's men have picked up an injury blow.

Star man Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of the upcoming international fixtures, with Belgium boss Domenic Tedesco confirming that the 32-year-old has picked up a 'minor injury' that will keep him away from the Belgium squad.

He said: "He’s been playing with a minor groin issue during the last games. Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided that the risk is too big. It's better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the Euros.“

That suggests De Bruyne will not be involved against Newcastle this weekend, adding to his injury troubles this season, and there will be question marks over his return after the break, action he does have plenty of time to get back in action. The Midfielder has already missed much of the season after suffering a serious injury earlier in the campaign. Though, the midfielder did take a positive outlook on the long-term injury he battled through, saying: "It's not like I needed a break but I took it, to turn a disadvantage into an advantage," De Bruyne said.

"When I reflect on my career, playing the last 10 years non-stop with a short break, maybe it was good for me to reset a little bit in a way and take care of myself when it is not really possible during the year. I hoped I could work hard and come back in a good way and I feel that I'm doing that but obviously I need to progress."

First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is already set to miss the next three to four weeks after going off injured in City's 1-1 draw with Premier League title rivals Liverpool at Anfield.