Manchester City can afford to play it safe with the return of club legend Kevin De Bruyne. City’s inspirational midfielder returned from injury during the resounding 5-nil win over Huddersfield Town at the Etihad. Despite De Bruyne looking fit and ready to make up for lost time the champions can afford to play it safe with their inspirational midfielder.
While it’s great news for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City that De Bruyne has returned, he is still on the comeback trail from a serious injury. After his hamstring finally gave way on the opening day of the season it has been a long road back for the Belgian international.
Speaking in an interview with Richard Jolly of the Independent the City legend is aware that he needs to be cautious during his comeback. He said: “I don’t expect to be playing too many games and Newcastle next week is a big game so I’ll expect to be back on the bench. I want to play every game but I know in the back of my mind I need to take care of myself.”
With De Bruyne aware of the need to be cautious in his comeback, Manchester City have had players step up to fill the void during his absence. Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez in particular have become invaluable members of Pep Guardiola’s squad during De Bruyne’s absence. With Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic also appearing to have adjusted to life at the treble winners they can afford to play it safe with De Bruyne as he builds up his fitness.
De Bruyne’s return is a massive boost to the world champions. But as he builds up to full fitness the champions have options to allow them to manage his return.
