Manchester City midfield legend Kevin De Bruyne is aiming to return fitter than ever as he makes his return to the pitch. The Belgian international has been out since his side’s opening day 3-nil Premier League win over Burnley.
Pep Guardiola had the star midfielder on the bench last weekend as an unused substitute in his team’s win over Sheffield United. As he edges closer to his return to the pitch it has been reported that De Bruyne has taken extra care of his body during his injury layoff.
Kristoff Terreur reports on De Bruyne’s conditioning
Belgian football expert Kristoff Terreur has told the BBC that the City midfield icon has done work to recover from hamstring surgery. In an interview published on the BBC website, the Belgian football guru said: “He’s used that break to recharge the batteries mentally. He’s lost some weight – people who know Kevin a bit will have already seen it. He’s done lots of work on his upper body. Before, everything was purely talent, he didn’t have to work body-wise. Now with that hamstring injury, he said himself in an interview that he’s looking after his food again. Looking after his body and doing lots of strength exercises – more than he ever did.”
It would be a massive boost to Manchester City if Kevin De Bruyne comes back fitter than ever. The midfielder is one of the best midfielders in world football when fully fit. If the City midfield legend has put extra work into his body it could be a frightening prospect for City’s rivals.
Pep Guardiola expects that De Bruyne will not change his game
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects De Bruyne to return as the same player he was before injury struck. Speaking before his side’s FA Cup clash with Huddersfield Town he said he’d take a cautious approach with De Bruyne. He added that he expected the midfielder to be the same player as he was when he returns. Guardiola said: “I would love him to play the way he did last eight years. He’s not going to change. The quality and potential is there. A big injury, concerned the most to try to avoid it. Be careful with minutes.[He will say] ‘I want to play’ but we have to be careful. Speak with him and with the physios and the guys who knows the best process for his minutes.”
Summary
It is exciting news for Manchester City to have the imminent return of Kevin De Bruyne to the pitch. The City legend brings an extra dimension to the world champions game. His match-winning ability has been missed while he has been out with injury.
The return of one of City’s most important players will also come at a crucial time in the season. With the season at the midway point, De Bruyne’s imminent return could be a huge boost to Pep Guardiola’s team. With the treble winners only 5 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, he could be the ace in the pack for the European champions as they seek their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
All attention will shift to Pep Guardiola’s lineup tomorrow to see if De Bruyne finally makes his long-awaited return to the pitch against Huddersfield Town.
