Despite missing a training session this week, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne will play against Tottenham on Thursday, according to Pep Guardiola.
De Bruyne was absent from City training on Tuesday after being granted time off for personal reasons ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League visit to the Etihad Stadium.
The absence of Belgium’s midfielder was noticed when a television crew filmed part of the training session.
However, City Pep Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday that De Bruyne will start for the champions against Antonio Conte’s team.
“He had a personal issue and was unable to train, but he is back today,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed that City center-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones are hoping to return from injury lay-offs against Tottenham.
Dias of Portugal has not played since the World Cup due to a thigh injury, while Stones of England has missed the last three games due to an unspecified fitness issue.
“They’ve returned. They have both trained extremely well in the last two sessions. “They’re in the hunt,” Guardiola said.
“We’re going to train this afternoon to figure out how we’re going to play and who’s going to play.”
City is looking to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to archrival Manchester United on Saturday.
Disputes erupted over the nature of United’s game-changing equalizer, which was allowed to stand despite Marcus Rashford being offside and appearing to interfere with play in the build-up.
Rashford added to City’s misery by scoring the winner moments later, leaving them eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola, refusing to let his players feel sorry for themselves, has no intention of dwelling on the disappointing outcome.
“It’s done, it’s done. We’re not going to make any changes right now, so the focus is on Tottenham. “That was my message to the team two minutes later, in the locker room,” he said.
“We have to improve our game and control what we can control. This is what large groups must do. That’s all there is to it.”
Guardiola admitted that City had not been at their best recently, with the United defeat following a sloppy League Cup quarter-final loss at Southampton.
“Our fluidity has been less than usual. “Sometimes, making chances requires a good build-up, putting the ball inside to open and spread the defensive lines, and we struggled in the last two games,” he said.
