Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he doesn’t know whether Kevin De Bruyne will be fit to face Liverpool.
The Belgian international was left out of the squad that won 3-1 against Southampton yesterday but, while Guardiola says the injury to the midfielder is minor, he cannot say whether he’ll be ready for Thursday:
“I don’t know how he is. Today he was not able to play, but it is not a big issue. It is normal for this to happen when you spend three to four months out injured – you come back in such a demanding period and you have a little bit of a problem. It’s not a big issue, but I cannot say if he will be able to play on Thursday.”
Fans on Twitter are hoping that De Bruyne is fit and raring to go for the crucial top of the table clash:
Really hope it’s mind game…de bryune is needed
— Marek Jenculauski GH (@LeRoiSan3) 30 December 2018
Doubt it, he wasn’t even in the 18 man squad in a very crucial game and he complained of knee pain according to some reports but again I hope it’s just mind games.
— ManCity12321 (@ManCity5000) 30 December 2018
I wish we’d stop rushing players back from injury it doesn’t work the squads big enough to coupe ?? #CTID pic.twitter.com/BRnAZnEF9A
— Howard (@HBurtonwood) 30 December 2018
How can’t it be a big issue nd we are on the racing title @City_Watch
— Hiddow (@fallubeybe) 30 December 2018
No KDB, then no way we can win.
We are going to ship at least 2 goals so we need KDB to help us score 3.
Bottom line is we must somehow win AND must improve the defensive squad with additional quality players at LB and DM. Otherwise wishful crossing of fingers— Team Lick (@TeamLick1) 30 December 2018
I guess he will play, it’s a mind game.
— king leooooooooooo (@samuellventress) 30 December 2018
I don’t see it being a problem, we have performed perfectly fine without him for most of the season
— Derek Gallagher™ (@DerekPG69) 30 December 2018
This meaning he will 100% play
— Shaun Matthews (@Shaun_Matthews_) 31 December 2018
We need ya #KDB
— CityzeN*̣̣̣̥ (@Abdool_rahmern) 31 December 2018
As Guardiola says, it can be difficult after having been out for the best part of four months. When you are not up with the tempo of the match, you can get caught late and pick up a knock.
Even so, without De Bruyne’s involvement, City’s attacking play against the Saints was excellent at times, and with both David and Bernardo Silva influencing play from the middle of the park, there’s no shortage of creativity.
Still, having the Belgian fit to face the Reds at the Etihad would certainly be a massive boost.
