Manager Pep Guardiola stated that Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City must be gradually returned to activity following his absence due to a muscular injury.
The midfielder is also doubtful for Wednesday’s Champions League game against Sparta Prague at home.
After suffering an injury during the Champions League match against Inter Milan last month, the 33-year-old De Bruyne has missed the English champions’ last six games.
Guardiola stated that he would not give in to the desire to bring in De Bruyne until the Belgian felt at ease, even though City is already without midfielders Rodri and Oscar Bobb because of chronic injuries.
“Well, except for Rodri and Oscar, the other ones are in training and getting better, but guys like Kevin for example are not exactly fit,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“It’s not a new issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine. Kevin is not 22 years old, he has to be fit for his football.
He doesn’t feel comfortable that he can express his incredible potential at his best.
“He is training better but he doesn’t feel good. He said he doesn’t feel good. If you don’t feel good, take your time.”
Phil Foden, an England midfielder who finished the previous season with 28 goals for club and country across all competitions and was awarded PFA Player of the Year, has had a stop-start campaign this time around due to sickness, but Guardiola had a more optimistic view of him.
With the corner that resulted in John Stones’ game-winning goal in stoppage time, the 24-year-old played a key role in City’s 2-1 Premier League triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
“He feels much better. The minutes he played last game, for example,” Guardiola said.
“With Phil, you realise immediately when he is happy and fit and mentally in the right moment. You realise he’s getting better and better.”
The Czech champions Sparta, who are tied with City on four points after defeating RB Salzburg 3-0 in their opening match and tying 1-1 with VfB Stuttgart, will play City on Wednesday.
“They created a lot of problems (for Stuttgart). I didn’t know Sparta until the last two days when I started to watch them and I have a good impression,” Guardiola added.
