Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola is sweating over the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Arsenal at Wembley.
The Belgian playmaker had been nursing a hamstring concern during the back end of the 2022-23 season, and the muscle finally gave way in the Champions League final, leading to a reported grade three year.
De Bruyne has not seen the field at all in pre-season, and while Guardiola recently affirmed that the 32-year-old is "so close" to a comeback, he is unlikely to be risked in the capital.
De Bruyne represents one of two injury concerns for Man City, who were without Nathan Ake for their recent defeat to Atletico Madrid in South Korea, but the Dutchman's absence was only precautionary and he should be part of the team here.
Ake - who recently signed a new long-term deal at the Etihad - may not be considered for a starting role over Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker, though, with the latter captaining the side against Atletico despite persistent links with Bayern Munich.
Josko Gvardiol's signing from RB Leipzig may be announced before Sunday's game, but the Croatian will surely be made to wait for his debut, as John Stones and Rodri link arms just in front of the three-man backline.
With De Bruyne expected to miss out, Mateo Kovacic should make his competitive debut in the engine room, potentially alongside Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish.
On the back of his sensational first campaign in England, Erling Haaland - who scored in both Premier League fixtures against the Gunners last term - will no doubt operate at the tip of the Citizens' attack.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Kovacic, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
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