Manchester City attacker Kevin de Bruyne could be out of their crucial clash with Liverpool.

The Mirror says De Bruyne is facing a fight to be fit for Manchester City's title showdown with runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool on Thursday night.

The Belgian midfielder will miss City's trip to Southampton on Sunday after suffering what a source close to the player has described as “a slight knock."

De Bruyne has also been complaining of muscle soreness following his return from a six-week absence with a knee injury.

He has featured in City's last four games – two as a substitute – but lasted just 70 minutes as Pep Guardiola's men were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Boxing Day.