Fitness of Manchester City star to be assessed ahead of defining West Ham Premier League clash

The fitness of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s showdown clash against West Ham United.

The 32-year-old was replaced during the second-half of Tuesday’s win over Tottenham in north London following an injury to his achilles, after a cynical challenge by Pape Matar Sarr left the Belgian international requiring treatment.

De Bruyne had assisted Manchester City’s first Premier League goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium early in the second-half, setting up Erling Haaland for a close range finish to crucially break the deadlock.

Haaland secured the victory from the penalty spot in 91st minute, with a first win away to Tottenham in the Premier League since October 2018 leaving Manchester City within three points of a record-breaking fourth successive title.

Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to clinch a sixth title in seven years at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, with West Ham visiting east Manchester on the final day of the campaign, aware that former Hammers captain Declan Rice requires a favour for Arsenal to win the title ahead of the Sky Blues.

Arsenal, who face Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, are two points behind Manchester City but have a superior goal difference.

Goalkeeper Ederson has already been ruled out of Sunday’s clash against West Ham and next weekend’s Emirates FA Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium due to a facial fracture suffered against Spurs.

Speaking ahead of the showdown clash, Guardiola said: “We will see today. Yesterday he was off, today we train.”

De Bruyne missed a major chunk of the campaign after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury in August, with the 32-year-old having featured 22 times since returning in January.

The Belgian has been directly involved in 24 goals this season despite the long-term injury, including 14 goal involvements in 17 Premier League appearances.