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Kevin De Bruyne responds to Paul Pogba comments as Manchester United star misses Manchester City derby

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De Bruyne responds to Pogba comments as Man Utd star misses Man City clash — De Bruyne responded to Pogba’s comments (Picture: AMA/Getty)

Kevin De Bruyne admitted he’s sad that Paul Pogba is missing the Manchester derby after the Manchester United midfielder was sent off in a 3-1 win over Arsenal, despite the France international saying he hoped ‘important players’ for Manchester City picked up injuries.

The former Juventus star sparked controversy by admitting he hoped United’s title rivals suffered injury problems and were suspended for big games.

‘Some day I hope they are going to slip and I hope, and I know that it’s bad to say things like that, but I hope for us that some very important players get injured,’ he said.

‘Just like what is happening with us because every time we are having important players that get injured and missing important games.

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‘If that happens to them as well then maybe it will make a difference. It might be a little touch that makes them weaker.’

Pogba, ironically, was sent off in his next outing and will now miss United’s biggest game of the season so far as Jose Mourinho’s outfit look to close the gap on Pep Guardiola’s Premier League leaders.

But De Bruyne insists he would rather the 24-year-old lined up against his side and wants to challenge himself against the world’s best players.

When the Belgian was asked if Pogba’s ban was karma for his comments, the Manchester City man responded: ‘I don’t believe in that s**t, I’m a very straightforward guy.

‘If someone believes it is karma then OK. Everyone has their right to their opinion. I don’t want anyone to get injured. It’s a competition, you want to play against the best teams and the best players.

‘I don’t care [what he says]. He can say whatever he wants. We just have to be focused on whatever we’re doing. He’s a massive player. I know him a little bit. He’s unbelievable. He took a red card and that’s the way it goes – you have injuries and suspensions.

‘United are one of the biggest clubs in the country. They’re a massive team, they want to win the title. They spent a lot of money, like a lot of the big teams. They will be up for it and we will be up for it. Hopefully it’ll be a good game.’