Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City star ruled out until after international break, Pep Guardiola confirms
By James Hilsum
Published 30/10/2024 at 12:37 GMT
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Manchester City will not have Kevin De Bruyne back at their disposal until after the November international break, boss Pep Guardiola has suggested. The Belgian will miss Wednesday's League Cup tie away at Tottenham, and seemingly also matches against Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon and Brighton & Hove Albion. City are back in action after the international break against Spurs on November 23.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that injured midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will not play again until after the international break.
De Bruyne's last appearance came in the goalless draw with Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on September 18.
The Belgian has been blighted by injuries in recent months and this latest absence is due to a thigh problem.
The 33-year-old spent a four-month period on the sidelines last season due to undergoing hamstring surgery.
"I would like to tell you [when he can return], I especially would like to know, but I don't know," said Guardiola.
"He feels better to train, but to go to the level we need for competition he still has pain. Kevin has to feel good to express the huge talent that he has."
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The City boss admits that De Bruyne’s rehabilitation has been more complicated than initially suggested, and highlighted the current threadbare nature of his squad.
“He is feeling better but not the best,” Guardiola explained.
"If he doesn't come back as quick as possible, we will struggle because we cannot sustain it with 14 or 15 players, but it is what it is.
"We need players to come back but it is what it is. Hopefully that can happen after the international break."
City are in League Cup action away at Tottenham on Wednesday night - the first of four consecutive games on the road for Guardiola's side.
The Premier League champions face Bournemouth on Saturday, before a trip to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on November 5.
Their final match before the next international break comes against Brighton & Hove Albion four days later.
City are already without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri with a long-term knee injury, while Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb are the other players currently on the sidelines.
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