Football
Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Says Kevin De Bruyne Still ‘Not Right’ In Latest Injury Update
Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham.
De Bruyne Injury Update: City Remain Without Star Man
It appears Manchester City will remain without star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as he continues to recover from a thigh injury suffered in September.
Despite returning to training, the Belgian playmaker is still experiencing pain and is not yet ready to play a competitive match.
City manager Pep Guardiola provided an injury update, speaking in his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Tottenham.
“He feels that he can train, but not to go to that level that we need in competition,” Guardiola said when asked when De Bruyne will be back.
“When you kick the ball or something, he still has pain, and he doesn’t feel [right]. Kevin has to feel good to express his huge talent that he has. He’s feeling better, but not the best.”
De Bruyne’s absence has been keenly felt by City, especially Erling Haaland, who has struggled to find his scoring touch in recent weeks.
The Belgian international is the engine room of City’s midfield, and his creativity and passing range are crucial to their attacking play.
Kevin De Bruyne has completed more passes into the opposition box than any other player in the Premier League this season. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/lJRdAZdgbE
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 29, 2024
Guardiola Concerned With Depth Of Man City Squad
With a number of other key players, including Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, and Oscar Bobb, also sidelined, Guardiola expressed concern about the depth of his squad.
On City’s injury list, Guardiola added: “For sure, if these guys don’t come back as quick as possible, we’ll struggle, because we cannot sustain with just 14, 15 players for the season. We need the players to come back.”
Following their Carabao Cup clash with Spurs, City return to Premier League action with a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. The team will be hoping for a positive result in both matches, despite the ongoing injury concerns.