- October 31, 2024
Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Provides Update On Kevin De Bruyne’s Injury Issue – News18
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Guardiola revealed that he was not completely sure as to how long it would take for star midfielder De Bruyne to return, but was hopeful the Belgian would be back in action after the upcoming international break.
Pep Guardiola. (AP Photo)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will not return to club football until the international break. The Belgian midfielder has been plagued by injuries in recent years. His latest hiatus is a result of a thigh problem.
Guardiola recently provided some insight into De Bruyne’s current condition. “He is feeling better but not the best,” Guardiola said on the club’s official website.
The Spaniard also voiced he was hopeful of the players returning to action after the break. “We need players to come back, but it is what it is. Hopefully, it can happen after the international break,” he said.
Guardiola revealed that he was not completely sure as to how long it would take for De Bruyne to return. The midfielder last appeared for Manchester City in the Champions League. He was part of the squad that played out a goalless draw with Inter Milan on September 18.
“I would like to tell you, and especially I would like to know it, but I don’t know right now,” Guardiola said. Speaking further about the improvements in De Bruyne’s condition, he said, “He feels better in training, but to go to the level we need in competition when he kicks the ball, sometimes he still has pain. He doesn’t feel right, and Kevin has to feel good to express the huge talent that he has.”
Apart from De Bruyne Manchester City are also dealing with multiple other injuries. Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish recently missed the 1-0 win against Southampton due to fitness issues. Oscar Bobb and Rodri are two other long-term absentees at the club. Rodri is expected to be out for the whole season after undergoing knee surgery.
Guardiola also emphasized how it would be difficult to sustain consistency if their players did not return soon. “It’s for sure that if these guys don’t come back as quick as possible, we’ll struggle, because we cannot sustain it on just 14 or 15 players the whole season,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of his missing stars, Guardiola added, “Without Rodri, we are less strong. With him, we are better. With Kevin, we are better. And with Kyle Walker, we are better. And with Oscar and all the people without the long injuries, we are better.”
In their latest EFL Cup fixture, Manchester City were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur. The reigning Premier League champions lost the fixture 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 31.
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