Pep Guardiola says there is no lasting injury concern with Kevin De Bruyne after his substitution for Manchester City in their derby win over Manchester United.
Two first-half goals from the 30-year-old, either side of a strike from Jadon Sancho, were followed by a second-half brace from Riyad Mahrez to help the Citizens move six points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
De Bruyne was brilliant all through the game but appeared to take a knock and was substituted in the 80th minute.
Asked after the game, Guardiola admitted that De Bruyne came off as a precaution due to a minor calf problem, but played down any suggestion of the problem becoming a longer-term issue and went on to praise the playmaker’s performance, highlighting his improvements in front of goal.
“A little bit there but it’s not a problem,” Guardiola said of De Bruyne’s thigh complaint.
“He made an incredible effort playing lots of minutes, not in Peterborough but he’s back at his best. He struggled playing with pain in the beginning of the season. He’s back to his best, strong, I’m so delighted he’s back scoring goals.”
“Always I speak with him and say you are just focused on the assists, it’s okay but you have to score goals, you have to win games. This season [he’s scoring] a lot of goals and hopefully he can continue [to stay] fit.”
These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“Please Noooooo.”
Credit: @MCSCPeshawar
“Kevin nooo we can’t afford another major injury.”
Credit: @sammrealish
“Please not now 😢.”
Credit: @alanrom12
“Nooooooooooo not Kev.”
Credit: @ZahibHussain21
“Kev, this is not the time, God please 🙏.”
Credit: @nwanneka_omeche
“He will be fine we have sporting next with a 5-0 aggregate so there’s some rest there.”
Credit: @MCFCMajid
“Please no injury.”
Credit: @CityJoul
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