Man City star Kevin De Bruyne a Carabao Cup final doubt after limping off in FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea
KEVIN DE BRUYNE gave Manchester City a Carabao Cup final fitness scare by limping out of Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea.
Playmaker KDB was replaced by Phil Foden early in the second half after twisting awkwardly on his ankle as City’s Quadruple dream ended.
De Bruyne was being harried by midfield workhorse N’Golo Kante near the touchline when he suddenly hobbled away.
There seemed to be no contact between the two players.
But KDB looked in discomfort as he went off – eight days before Guardiola’s men return to Wembley to face Tottenham.
City‘s problems grew stronger seven minutes later when Chelsea deservedly notched the only goal of a tight tactical battle.
Timo Werner burst clear down the left to slot the ball across for Hakim Ziyech to flash home.
City struggled to break Chelsea down, before and after KDB’s unfortunate departure.
KDB AND KANE SCARES
And the Belgium superstar’s impressive replacement Foden was soon pushed forward from midfield – once Ilkay Gundogan came on for winger Ferran Torres.
De Bruyne’s fitness doubt mirrors that of Spurs’ key striker Harry Kane.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has suggested he will know by this Sunday – following ankle scans – if the England skipper can take on City in next weekend’s showpiece.
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Kane had limped off seconds from time after netting twice in Friday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton.
KDB’s frustration deepened as City pushed forward in vain late on.
And in the end Chelsea’s organisational masterpiece earned an FA Cup final against either Leicester or Southampton.