Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne didn’t feature during last night’s 1-nil win over Brentford due to hamstring niggles Pep Guardiola revealed post-game. City ground out a critical win at the Etihad Stadium last night to move within one point of league leaders Liverpool.
Kevin De Bruyne didn’t feature for the champions in a game they had to grind out a result. It did appear that they would need their inspirational midfielder to help them get over the line against Thomas Frank’s side. But De Bruyne wasn’t required as Julian Alvarez set up Erling Haaland to fire home the winner in the 71st minute.
Speaking post-game Pep Guardiola revealed that Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t risked due to the midfielder feeling niggles in his hamstring. The City manager also told the media that it was a precaution that De Bruyne wasn’t risked against Brentford. Guardiola explained: “We did not use Kevin today because he has niggles in his hamstring position. He’s okay. It’s more caution and prevention than anything. He didn’t feel comfortable and the doctors said there was a little bit of risk. After five months off, we did not take any risk with that.”
Kevin De Bruyne has been in scintillating form since his return from hamstring surgery. He has made an immediate impact after such a long injury layoff. De Bruyne will have a key role to play as Manchester City seek to defend the treble they won last campaign.
It is understandable that Manchester City would take a cautious approach to De Bruyne’s fitness. Given how important he is to the champions a no-risk approach to De Bruyne’s fitness will benefit both the player and the world champions this season.
