Much like last season, Manchester City vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne has been hampered by injuries this campaign as well.
Starting five games in all competitions this season, De Bruyne looked like he was getting in the swing of things after having missed City’s pre-season tour of the United States in the aftermath of Euro 2024.
But the Manchester City virtuoso has been unavailable since picking up his latest thigh injury in his side’s 0-0 draw against Inter Milan; which has been a blow for Pep Guardiola.
In the meantime, Guardiola has experimented with Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan playing as a pair of attacking midfielders in the Belgian’s absence for the most part.
Against Fulham and Southampton, Phil Foden was paired alongside Gundogan and Bernardo respectively.
Considering Pep Guardiola’s men have scored the most goals (20) in the Premier League this season, such a statistic suggests that the Sky Blues are not particularly missing De Bruyne’s presence on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne “still has pain” when he kicks a ball
However, Manchester City have yet to fully kick into gear — scoring late goals against Arsenal and Wolves to come back into proceedings while narrowly beating Gary O’Neil’s side as well as Fulham in particular.
With the midfield maestro’s exquisite eye for a pass and knack for scoring vital goals, City could have looked far more comfortable in some of their games had he been fit.
As Manchester City prepare to lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola was initially asked a few questions about De Bruyne’s injury.
The reported asked via HaytersTV: “Has Kevin’s injury been more complicated than you first thought?”
Pep Guardiola replied: “Yeah.”
“You thought he’d be back quicker?”
Guardiola said: “Yeah. That’s why I’m not a doctor.”
Pep Guardiola admitted De Bruyne “still feels pain” when he kicks a ball and stressed that he must be fully fit to be able to demonstrate his genius on the pitch.
“No, he’s feeling better but not the best. If these guys don’t come back as quick as possible, we will struggle. We cannot sustain with just 14, 15 players for the season. Hopefully it can happen after the international break.”
“I’d like to tell you, especially I’d like to know, but I don’t. He feels better, can train, but the level we need for competition, when he kicks the ball he still has pain. Kevin has to feel good to express his huge talent.”
De Bruyne is “tired” of European football and targets MLS move
Last week, an update about De Bruyne’s future at Manchester City emerged as it was claimed that San Diego FC are willing to match his annual salary of £15.3 million to sign him in the summer.
The six-time Premier League winner’s contract also happens to run out in 2025 — as he is believed not be interested in signing a new deal.
The report stated that De Bruyne is “tired” of the intense nature of European football.
The former VFL Wolfsburg attacker can see himself not just playing in the MLS but also living in the United States next.
De Bruyne’s partner was also claimed not to be viewing the Middle East as a destination to raise her young children despite Al-Nassr’s interest in securing the decorated creator’s services.
Whether the Manchester City legend’s ongoing fitness issues could be the starting point of his decision to potentially depart the Etihad Stadium is the question.
