Kevin De Bruyne, the star midfielder for Manchester City, is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to a groin injury. Manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of not rushing De Bruyne back into action until he is fully fit, highlighting the player’s need to regain his peak performance level.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin De Bruyne will be out for an unspecified duration as he recovers from a groin injury.
- Pep Guardiola insists on a cautious approach, prioritizing De Bruyne’s complete fitness.
- The absence of De Bruyne adds to Manchester City’s injury woes, with other key players also sidelined.
Injury Update
Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne will not participate in the upcoming Champions League match against Sparta Prague. Alongside De Bruyne, defender Kyle Walker is also unavailable due to a knee injury. The team is already missing long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb, further complicating their squad depth.
Guardiola stated, "We are well, except as you know Rodri and Oscar. The other ones are training and getting better. Some are not fully fit, like Kevin."
Guardiola’s Comments
When asked about the timeline for De Bruyne’s return, Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty, saying, "It’s not a big issue. He doesn’t feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old anymore. He has to be fit for his football and he has to be completely fit."
He added, "He doesn’t feel fully comfortable so he cannot express his incredible potential at his best. He is training a little bit better, but he doesn’t feel ready. I told him to take his time. He has to be ready."
Impact on the Team
De Bruyne’s absence is significant, as he has not played since being substituted at halftime during a Champions League match against Inter Milan last month. This marks the sixth consecutive match he has missed, raising concerns about how the team will adapt without their key playmaker.
Historically, Manchester City has managed to cope without De Bruyne, as seen last season when he underwent hamstring surgery and was out for nearly five months. However, the current situation presents a new challenge, especially with multiple key players injured.
Future Considerations
De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire next summer, and he has previously expressed interest in exploring new opportunities, including lucrative offers from the Middle East. He mentioned, "At my age, you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that."
Positive News for City
On a brighter note, Guardiola reported that Phil Foden is back to his best form, which could help mitigate the impact of De Bruyne’s absence. Guardiola remarked, "He feels much better in the last couple of games. You feel when he is happy and fit. You realize immediately that he is getting better and better."
Conclusion
As Manchester City navigates through this challenging period, the focus remains on ensuring that De Bruyne returns to the pitch fully fit. Guardiola’s cautious approach reflects the club’s long-term vision, prioritizing player health over immediate results. With several key players out, the team will need to rally together to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
