Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful that Kevin De Bruyne will return to action before next month’s international break. The Belgian playmaker has been sidelined since picking up an injury during City’s 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League. His absence was keenly felt during City’s heated 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, and he also missed the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Watford on Tuesday.
De Bruyne will not be available for City’s upcoming Premier League trip to Newcastle either, adding to the growing list of absentees for Guardiola. “No, [he is not ready to play],” Guardiola confirmed. “Maybe before the international break [he will be available again].”
The potential return of De Bruyne would be a significant boost for Manchester City, especially after the club confirmed on Friday that key midfielder Rodri will miss the remainder of the season following surgery for a serious knee injury. City’s midfield has already been stretched, and the return of their influential playmaker would help restore some stability and creativity.
City faces a busy schedule in the coming weeks, starting with the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday, followed by a visit to Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday as the Champions League group stage kicks off. They will then host Fulham on Saturday, October 5, just before the international break, which runs from October 7 to October 15. The team will resume their Premier League campaign away at Wolves on Sunday, October 20.
Guardiola will be closely monitoring De Bruyne’s progress in hopes of having him back to bolster City’s midfield options, as they look to navigate this challenging period and maintain their title push.
