Pep Guardiola issues Kevin de Bruyne injury update

Manchester City are still without Kevin de Bruyne for the Premier League clash against Chelsea, but the Belgian may now be close to a return from injury.

Ahead of Sunday’s game City boss Pep Guardiola issued a positive update on De Bruyne’s ‘s injury status. Guardiola told reporters that KdB is “feeling good” as he continues his rehabilitation.

“I spoke with him and he said he feels really good,” Guardiola said.

“He’s not training with us yet and I don’t know when he will. I would say he’s in the last phase before he trains with us again.”

When will Kevin de Bruyne return for Man City?

The Belgian has been one of City’s most important players under Guardiola but has suffered with muscle injuries in recent seasons. He was forced off in the Champions League final with a hamstring injury and suffered a reoccurrence in City’s opening game of the 2023/24 campaign.

De Bruyne picked up another hamstring injury in the game against Burnley and has been absent for the past three months. He underwent surgery soon after.

With that in mind, Guardiola insisted that he will be cautious in overseeing the Belgian’s return to first team action.

“This kind of injury… it’s better we don’t put pressure on him,” Guardiola explained. “If the physio says next step, next step… no pressure.”

“Recover, it’s not necessary to take the wrong or bad decision and then you’re back (where you were) again... Kevin’s was a bad injury with surgery, so it’s step by step.”

After the Chelsea clash City have a two-week break for international fixtures. Guardiola will hope that De Bruyne will be back in training by the time fixtures resume later this month.