- Left game with apparent hamstring injury
- Replaced by Phil Foden
- Also injured in 2021 Champions League final
WHAT HAPPENED? De Bruyne went down clutching his leg inside 30 minutes, but was allowed to carry on. The Belgian only managed a further five minutes before being removed for Phil Foden. It's the second time in a week that De Bruyne has been substituted early, after he was taken off in the 76th minute against Manchester United in the FA Cup final - when the game was very much in the balance.
Still, City went on to secure a 1-0 victory through a goal from Rodri.
WHAT THEY SAID: "It has been a hard two months," De Bruyne told reporters after the game. "I had a lot of problems with my hamstring and it snapped."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: De Bruyne was also taken off in a Champions League final defeat to Chelsea two years ago because of an injury to his face. In that match, he sustained a fractured nose and eye socket after a first-half collision.
De Bruyne has been integral to City's treble run this season, having tallied 28 assists in all competitions.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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GettyWHAT NEXT? De Bruyne left with the score level at 0-0, the opening minutes featuring very few attempts on goal. He will surely be involved in upcoming celebrations following a 1-0 win, but it's bittersweet that he couldn't complete the match.
