Manchester City are taking no risks with the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne. The inspirational midfielder is currently out of action due to a groin injury. He suffered the injury during the first half of City’s nil-all draw with Inter Milan in their opening UEFA Champions League league phase match last month. Pep Guardiola has explained that City are taking a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s recovery from the injury.
Speaking before his team’s Premier League clash with Fulham Pep Guardiola explained City’s management of De Bruyne’s injury. He explained that the injury suffered by the Belgian international isn’t a major one but Manchester City are taking a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s return. Guardiola explained: “It’s not a big issue, but he still doesn’t feel good, we’re managing his fitness issues. It’s better, less minutes, but the players don’t say that. They want to play every single game. That’s nice. That’s fine. But sometimes the body sends warnings. I’m here, so we have to [be careful], because they are human, a lot of games, a lot of years, many years injured, and the consequences are here.”
It makes sense for the world champions to play it safe with Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness. He missed 5 months of last season due to a serious hamstring injury. The world champions don’t want to find themselves in a similar situation this season. De Bruyne remains one of Manchester City’s most important players and it is better to have him 100% for rather than risk him when he isn’t fully fit.
De Bruyne should return to action after the upcoming international break. The hope is that he will be back at full fitness when he does return from injury.