Pep Guardiola Clarifies Kevin De Bruyne's Absence in Fulham Match as Arsenal's Title Hopes are Unexpectedly Boosted

Ahead of Manchester City's Premier League match against Fulham, Pep Guardiola has provided an explanation for Kevin De Bruyne's absence from the squad, which could potentially benefit Arsenal.

Manchester City will face Marco Silva's Fulham at Craven Cottage shortly after their 4-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, which could potentially secure the Premier League title for them.

Kevin De Bruyne played a crucial role in Manchester City's 4-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, where he scored two goals and was named the player of the match.

His first goal came from a superb driving run and finish, while he formed an almost telepathic partnership with Erling Haaland.

The absence of the Belgian, therefore, will come as a blow to the Citizens, who are looking to make it eight wins in a row in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola confirmed the reason behind his non-inclusion in the squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spaniard explained: "He doesn't feel good. He has some injury and he could not travel. No, I don't know [when he will be back].

"His impact [Julian Alvarez, replacing De Bruyne] has been really, really good from day one. Of course, with Erling he maybe doesn't have the minutes that he deserves. But his impact every time he plays has been incredible.

"We need to win the game and we need guys to have a sense of goal."

On Haaland's performance against Arsenal - which was supported by superb link-up play with De Bruyne - Guardiola commented: "He was involved with decisive actions, and he had the chances, he scored the goal. He was involved in the game in many, many different impacts.

"We know his stats but we don't talk about that [potentially breaking the PL goal record]. He will score more goals or less goals, it depends how he performs every day."

De Bruyne's absence could provide a twist in the tale of the title race, with City now in the driving seat.

And although they will overhaul Arsenal should they win their games in hand - as well as not dropping points in other games - Alvarez and other players will now need to step up to replace the Belgian's impact in the games that City's number 17 misses through injury.