How can Manchester City nullify De Bruyne's absence?

Change in Formation with a Back 3

City predominantly played with a 4 man defense, at least on paper, over the last season. By doing so, they had three exceptional mid-fielders playing in front of them in general - Fernandinho, Silva and De Bruyne. While the former screened the defense, the other two were the masters at pulling off ideas that opened up opportunities for the front three of City.

In the absence of De Bruyne, City can shuffle the defense into a 3 man system. Additionally, they can play an attacking midfielder in the place of a wing back. This seems a favorable option on two fronts.

3 Man Defence can be the answer

Firstly, the defense is not jeopardized with four defensive players still on the pitch along with Fernandinho shielding the defense. Secondly, this formation lets an additional ballplayer into the fold. With the extra pair of legs, attacking shapes would be more flexible and there'll be an extra man trying to win passes between the tight lines of opposition. So, that is an incremental burden to mark and take care of for the opposition.

This formation makes sense in the short term as the upcoming fixtures for City are five of the six promoted teams over the past two seasons. Conversely, this can be a risk when playing against a more open team as they might exploit the makeshift wing back and create chances.