There will be no rush for De Bruyne’s return, says City’s Guardiola

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne should return to action after the break with a muscle injury, manager Pep Guardiola said, adding that the midfielder is a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League home game against Sparta Prague.

De Bruyne, 33, was injured against Inter Milan in the Champions League last month and has missed the English champions’ last six matches.

City are already without midfielders Rodri and Oscar Bobb due to long-term injuries, but Guardiola said he would resist the temptation to call up De Bruyne until the Belgian is comfortable.

“Well, with the exception of Rodri and Oscar, the rest are training and getting better, but guys like Kevin, for example, are not quite suitable,” the Spaniard told reporters.

“This is not a new problem, but he is not feeling very well. Kevin is under 22 years old, he should be in shape for football. He doesn’t feel comfortable being able to show his incredible potential at his best.”

“He’s training better, but he’s not feeling well. He said he didn’t feel well. If you’re not feeling well, take your time.”

Guardiola has been more positive about England midfielder Phil Foden, who scored 28 goals for club and country in all competitions last season and was named PFA Player of the Year but has had a sidelined campaign this time around due to illness.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in City’s 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, delivering the corner that led to John Stones’ stoppage-time winner.

“He feels much better. For example, in the minutes he played in the last game,” Guardiola said.

“With Phil, you know when he’s happy, fit and mentally in the right place. You realize he’s getting better and better.”

City face Czech champions Sparta on Wednesday, who are level with them on four points after beating RB Salzburg 3-0 in the first leg and drawing 1-1 with Stuttgart.

“They created a lot of problems (for Stuttgart). I didn’t know Sparta until I started watching them the last two days and I had a good impression,” added Guardiola.