Kevin De Bruyne has revealed whether he thinks he will start for Manchester City against Newcastle United on Saturday.
After being brought on as a substitute against Huddersfield Town, the natural question is whether De Bruyne could start proceedings going forward.
In the aftermath of City’s 5-0 destruction of Darren Moore’s side, the midfield maestro also gave an insight into how he felt playing football for the first time since August last year (via The Times).
Kevin De Bruyne does not think he will start for Manchester City against Newcastle
Having sustained a hamstring injury during the summer and then having been injured once again at the start of the season, De Bruyne’s fitness seems to be up and down.
Turning 33 in June this year, the Belgian international is not getting any younger, in footballing terms at least, which means another such knock could impact whether he can continue to sustain the physical burden that comes with playing in and amongst the upper echelon of world football.
Taking such factors into consideration, Kevin De Bruyne has admitted that he doubts he will start for Manchester City in their upcoming Premier League encounter against Newcastle.
“I’m happy to be back and I felt good so I’m pleased about that but I’m still nowhere near where I need to be. There will be moments where I want to play every game, but I know in the back of my mind I need to take care of myself”, he said (via The Times).
“I don’t expect to be playing too many games and Newcastle next week is a big game so I’ll expect to be back on the bench.”
Phil Foden has already done the business in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne against Newcastle this season
From a Manchester City perspective, there should not be much to worry about if Kevin De Bruyne is on the bench against Newcastle.
After all, Phil Foden put in a marvellous display against the Magpies during his side’s 1-0 win over them at the Etihad Stadium in August.
The silky technician proved how much of an asset he can be centrally against Eddie Howe’s side, as he also assisted Julian Alvarez’s well-taken winner.
While a trip to St. James’ Park is a test for any team in the world, Foden has the minerals to step in for De Bruyne and quieten the home crowd.
