Kevin De Bruyne sends Arsenal Premier League title race warning despite Man City challenge

Kevin De Bruyne has pledged to become the 'best player in the world' upon his return from the sidelines, sending Arsenal and Liverpool a fierce warning. The 32-year-old midfielder tweaked a longstanding hamstring issue in the first-half of the Champions League final last season.

Determined to return in time for the new Premier League campaign, De Bruyne worked overtime during the summer. But unfortunately for the Belgium international he suffered a recurrence of the injury on the opening weekend of the new season, withdrawing from Manchester City's win over Burnley after just 23 minutes.

According to the Manchester Evening News, De Bruyne isn't expected to be match-fit again until mid-January at the earliest, but he wants to come back with a bang. The Belgian has vowed to be the 'best player in the world' upon his return – and, with the title race wide open, he could very quickly become Arsenal's and Liverpool's worst nightmare.

«I want to be the best,» said De Bruyne. «It just doesn’t stop. I want to be in the best team, I want to be the best player in the world. I still have the motivation every day.

»Even being out for four months, I have tried to find ways to change myself as a player so I can still do what I did before. I am certain I will be fine once I am back on the pitch. I hope to just keep on playing good football and that is good enough."

Liverpool are currently leading the Premier League title race, with 37 points after 16 games. Arsenal and Aston Villa – both with a game in hand over City – rank second and third respectively.

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