The Belgium playmaker was forced off at half-time during City’s Champions League draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday with a muscular problem.

Manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful De Bruyne will still be able to line up for the Premier League champions against last season’s runners-up at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola said: “He feels a little bit better today but we have not yet had training and we will see. He could be (involved).”

Arsenal will definitely be without one of their key players after midfielder Martin Odegaard was ruled out for a prolonged period of time.

Guardiola said: “I’m so sorry for him. I always like to play against the toughest squad. Of course he’s an important player but, year by year, Arsenal are getting better.”