Kevin De Bruyne injury update: Should you pick him for FPL Gameweek 30?

Fantasy Premier League returns for its first gameweek following the March international break and there are plenty of decisions for players to make.

Kevin De Bruyne is so often a must-have midfielder in FPL and his return from a hamstring injury suffered in Manchester City's first Premier League game of the season coincided with a blistering run of form for Pep Guardiola's treble winners.

However, the Belgian playmaker missed his nation's fixtures during the March international break and there have been fears he could struggle to return in time for the huge title clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Here's what we know about De Bruyne's injury and whether or not to include him in your FPL team for Gameweek 30.

What injury does Kevin De Bruyne have?

De Bruyne missed Man City's 2-0 FA Cup triumph over Newcastle in his side's last game before the March international break with a groin complaint, having last featured in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool where he bagged the assist for John Stones' goal.

He was subsequently left out of Domenico Tedesco's Red Devils squad for matches against the Republic of Ireland and England.

However, reports have indicated City are "hopeful" De Bruyne will pull through in time to take on Arsenal, a team he has enjoyed facing in the past. The 32-year-old has won 14 of his 20 games against the Gunners in all competitions, coming up with eight goals and four assists in the Premier League.

What has Pep Guardiola said about Kevin De Bruyne's injury?

De Bruyne came off with 21 minutes to go in the Liverpool draw and looked livid with manager Guardiola, who said he needed a more conservative midfielder for the final moments of the Anfield clash.

The former Barcelona boss later revealed City had contacted Belgium to ensure his star maestro wasn't called up for March's friendlies and could instead focus on regaining full fitness for Sunday's meeting with title rivals Arsenal.

Ahead of the clash with Newcastle, he said: "He already played at Anfield with some problems but he's getting better, just not ready for tomorrow. We spoke with Belgium and I'm grateful because he didn't feel good. He can recover for the rest of the season."

Guardiola then provided another update on De Bruyne in his press conference before the weekend.

He said: "Kevin is so important. It has been a tough season for him with injuries. He has been out for a long time but he trained really well yesterday. We will see what he does in the next days."

Kevin De Bruyne alternatives in FPL Gameweek 30

Only Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) costs more among FPL midfielders than De Bruyne (£10.5m), meaning there are plenty of alternative options for managers to consider this weekend.

Salah is fit again and could return a large points haul when Liverpool face an out-of-form Brighton on Sunday, while Son Heung-min (£10.1m) is another star to consider ahead of Tottenham's clash with Luton Town.

Cole Palmer (£5.8m) has been Chelsea's biggest goal threat in an inconsistent season and has every chance of thriving against relegation-threatened Burnley, while Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.9m) have both looked dangerous in Manchester United's recent wins over Everton and Liverpool.

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