Evening Standard
·22 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·22 October 2024
The pair will sit out the Champions League visit of Sparta Prague
Manchester City will again be without both Kevin De Bruyne or Kyle Walker for Wednesday's Champions League match at home to Sparta Prague.
De Bruyne, 33, has missed six games since picking up a thigh injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League last month and has missed the English champions' last six fixtures.
Walker returned from England duty with a knee problem, joining long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb on the sidelines, and Guardiola is not ready to throw either the right-back or De Bruyne back into action.
"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," Guardiola told reporters.
Kevin De Bruyne has missed the last six games
Getty Images
"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."
Asked if Walker faces a longer spell on the sidelines, Guardiola replied: "I don't know."
Kyle Walker returned from England duty with an injury
Action Images via Reuters
Guardiola had more positive news on Phil Foden, who has endured a stop-start opening few months of the season due to illness.
"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."