Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a promising update on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a hamstring injury during the UEFA Champions League Final.
The Belgian playmaker was not involved as City came from behind to defeat sister club Yokohama Marinos in their opening match of pre-season on Sunday, but could feature in their final two friendlies against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
It was no surprise to see De Bruyne miss out on the match after he didn’t take part in the club’s open training session on the eve of their first friendly fixture.
The 32-year-old has yet to return to full training since limping out of the Champions League final last month, later admitting he had been playing with an injured hamstring for two months as he led City to an historic treble.
Speaking after the win over Yokohama on Sunday, Guardiola was asked when we might see his star midfielder back in action.
“He feels much, much much better,” he said. “I don’t know Bayern Munich, I don’t know the next game Atletico Madrid, because of course he has to train. But he is so close. He is coming back soon.”
These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
@Ashleymozza1: “Absolutely huge news”
@_hxllandcity: “Can’t wait to see kev back on the pitch”
@Tarantulasa: “We are so back 💙 Hope he’ll be back for the community shield match”
@shyboss1998: “Gonna be back before the Community Shield”
@johnnydejesus: “No need to rush him back. Muscle injuries are always so precarious. Gotta be careful he doesnt re-aggravates it.”
@OAdjonteh: “Let’s not play him against Bayern neither should we play him against Athletico. Let’s save him for Arsenal”
