Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne faced the media earlier today ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord. After hearing the pair speak there was positive news for Manchester City. De Bruyne is now pain free and that is a massive boost for Pep Guardiola’s side. They need Kevin De Bruyne fit and firing as they bid to end their 5-game-losing run at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
Pep Guardiola explained during his pre-game press conference that Kevin De Bruyne is finally pain-free. The Belgian international sustained a nagging groin injury during City’s nil-all draw with Inter Milan in September. Since returning from injury De Bruyne has only made three brief appearances off the bench. Speaking on De Bruyne’s condition Guardiola told the media: “Of all of us, he is the first that is fighting and training more than ever. He’s fighting to come back to his best. Of course, he’s not 24, 25, 26 or 27, or when we’re at our best, he is now a certain age, and last season had five months out. This season, he played in the first and in the last game, before Spurs he came to me and said it’s the first day he didn’t feel anything, I have had pain. First time in the last two months. That’s important.”
Kevin De Bruyne is focused on returning to his best.
Speaking with the media De Bruyne explained that he is only focused on returning to his best. It has been a frustrating season so far for the Manchester City legend. He told the media that is feeling better after his frustrating injury layoff. De Bruyne said when asked about his condition: “I’m starting to feel better now, so I’m happy about that. But it’s been a frustrating one, but I’m starting to feel better and I’m happy about that.”
The Belgian international was also asked about his contract situation with Manchester City. His contract is set to expire at the end of this season. De Bruyne told the media he wasn’t concerned over his contract situation just yet. He said when asked about his contract situation: “When I started the season, I knew talks would happen, and then I’ve had that thing against Brentford and put everything else to the side. I was hoping it would be a couple of days out but it ended up being eight or nine weeks. For the moment, I’d rather get back first and see how I am and the rest will come. I’m not too obsessed with this right now.”
Summary
The update provided by Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne on De Bruyne’s fitness is welcome news for the world champions. The injury suffered by the City legend has cost City. They have missed his presence and influence and that has become apparent during City’s losing streak. But it now appears that he is close to full fitness and could potentially start tomorrow night’s match.
Manchester City’s midfield could do with having De Bruyne back and at the heart of City’s engine room. The world champions could do with De Bruyne’s presence to lift his teammates and provide a cutting edge to their play. That has been sorely lacking in recent games. It remains to be seen if De Bruyne will start tomorrow night’s match. But it does appear that he is back at full fitness which is a huge boost for Manchester City.