Kevin De Bruyne returned to the Manchester City squad for their 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth. The club legend was an unused substitute at the Vitality Stadium. Pep Guardiola explained following City’s defeat that the champions are taking a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s return. Based on De Bruyne’s recent injury record that is the right approach for Manchester City to take with the inspirational midfielder.
Speaking after his team’s defeat at the Vitality Stadium Pep Guardiola explained that he will play De Bruyne when the time is right. He informed the media that De Bruyne could’ve played 10/15 minutes on Saturday, but the champions don’t want to take any risks with De Bruyne’s fitness. Guardiola explained: “Kevin [on Friday] only started to feel better but it’s been a month and a half, and the game [against Bournemouth] was so demanding,” said the boss. Maybe in the last 10 or 15 minutes for us, we could have done it, but especially with Kevin, I try to [look] after him. When he came back after five months injured last season, he finished well and started well after he comes back again. Of course, we need him, and he will be back. Try to [ease him back], in the right moment, and in the right [place] to do it.”
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are right to take a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s return. The Belgian international is too important to the world champions to take any risks with. After missing City’s past 10 matches he will need time to work his way to full fitness. Although City is in desperate need of fit players, the risk of playing De Bruyne before he is ready is far too great. That fact makes City’s decision to take a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s return the right move going forward.