Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is recovering very well from injury but will be unavailable for their Champions League clash against Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
De Bruyne picked up a groin injury in City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan in September and has missed six matches for the reigning Premier League champions since then.
The 2023 European Champions are currently face with long-term injuries to Osar Bobb and Rodri, who is expected to miss the whole of the ongoing season after suffering an ACL injury, and Guardiola has revealed that he would not be tempted to rush De Bruyne back into action.
“Well, except for Rodri and Oscar, the other ones are in training and getting better, but guys like Kevin are not exactly fit,” Guardiola told reporters at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“It’s not a new issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine. Kevin is not 22 years old, he has to be fit for his football. He doesn’t feel comfortable that he can express his incredible potential at his best.
“He is training better but he doesn’t feel good. He said he doesn’t feel good. If you don’t feel good, take your time,” the Spaniard added.
Getting ready for a night under the lights ✨ pic.twitter.com/ngx2JVTMEd
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Guardiola’s side are currently eighth in the Champions League standings with four points following a draw against Inter and a win over Slovan Brastislava.
However, they will welcome Sparta to the Etihad Stadium with the Czech club level on point with City after defeating RB Salzburg in their opening match and drawing Stuggart.
“They created a lot of problems [for Stuttgart]. I didn’t know Sparta until the last two days when I started to watch them and I have a good impression,” Guardiola stated about the Czech champions, who are 10th in the UCL standings.
