Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly confident Kevin De Bruyne will feature in this week’s crucial clash with Tottenham after an injury scare on Tuesday.
De Bruyne was absent from training as Manchester City get ready to resume their Premier League campaign against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgium playmaker played the full 90 minutes when City were beaten by Manchester United during the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon, so it remains uncertain why the 31-year-old was missing from training on Tuesday morning.
According to Jack Gaughan writing for the Daily Mail, Guardiola is confident that De Bruyne will be ready to play a part for Thursday’s clash against Tottenham.
City have fallen eight points behind leaders Arsenal after the weekend derby defeat and losing their talisman for Tottenham’s visit would be a significant blow.
De Bruyne has made a strong start to the season and has registered three goals and 16 assists in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
Manchester City have also been handed welcome news in defence. John Stones and Ruben Dias have both trained this week after fitness issues, offering more options at the back.
Dias has not played since aggravating a hamstring injury during the World Cup, while Stones missed the trip to Old Trafford. The pair have not started together in the Premier League since September.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been handed a major selection boost for their Premier League fixture with Manchester City.
Despite their recent dip in form, Tottenham are still sitting fifth in the standings, although they have only picked up four points from a possible 12.
During that stretch, Antonio Conte has been without influential Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur, who has been nursing an adductor injury picked up at the World Cup.
However, the 25-year-old is back available for Conte as the manager contemplates throwing the former Juventus player straight back in against the reigning champions.
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