Is playing Kevin De Bruyne in tomorrow’s vital Premier League match against Bournemouth a risk worth taking? The champions are in desperate need of three points tomorrow to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool. But the champions do however face a busy schedule ahead with big games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all on the horizon where they will need their club legend.
The midfielder has been in superb form since his return from injury in January. He did however miss City’s midweek win against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola told the media following City’s win that De Bruyne missed the match as a precaution due to him suffering hamstring niggles.
It does seem a case of risk and reward by playing Kevin De Bruyne at the Vitality Stadium. There is no doubting the quality he brings to the City lineup. He has shown that since his return from injury and his performances have been crucial to Pep Guardiola’s side. But given his lengthy injury layoff due to hamstring surgery he may need to be managed through this busy portion of the season.
Speaking before his team faces Bournemouth Pep Guardiola informed the media that De Bruyne wasn’t injured. He also assured the media that he would travel with the City squad. Guardiola said: “He’s good – not injured. He’s better. I don’t know if he is 100% but we took a good decision to not take a risk, apart from the result, if the result was not good, people would ask why he didn’t play. He didn’t feel comfortable. We have training at 16:00. The day after the game he didn’t train and yesterday everyone was off, but he trained by himself. Today we will assess. I am sure he will travel.”
It does appear to be a case of risk and reward with Kevin De Bruyne’s availablity for tomorrow’s game. Given that City face their arch rivals Manchester United next weekend it could be that circumstances dictate if De Bruyne plays tomorrow. He could start on the bench and be utilised if Manchester City are in need of a lift during tomorrow’s game. Or he could start and be removed at a certain point of the proceedings. It is an interesting subplot of tomorrow’s crucial match against Bournemouth.
How Manchester City utilise Kevin De Bruyne while he deals with hamstring niggles is now something to watch for when Pep Guardiola announces his starting lineup tomorrow. Given how pivotal he is to City’s success it has become something to watch for as City chase history this season.
