Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that Kevin de Bruyne's latest injury is down to a 'physiological issue' for the midfielder after he had to be substituted during their 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
De Bruyne's replacement, Riyad Mahrez, scored the winner for the visitors in the 55th minute, which saw them temporarily move top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool's game against Everton on Sunday.
Despite the win, City saw De Bruyne and John Stones withdrawn due to injury either side of half-time, with Guardiola providing an update for the pair's fitness after the game.
Speaking post-match, as quoted by Sky Sports, he said: "
"We don't give the players time to recover and with the rhythm we play, after they have not physically recovered and then comes another game.
"So we play these kinds of games with a shorter space and we know it is demanding but we know that if we lose, we won't have a chance to win the title, that's why, I don't know what will happen at the end of the season, but for me, they have already won."
Massive win today important in so many ways always a tough game there !! Come on @mancity pic.twitter.com/FDmmznnRkQ
— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) March 2, 2019
While the reigning Premier League champions dominated the game at the Vitality Stadium, recording 82% of the possession and having 23 shots compared to Bournemouth's zero, City could only score once, similarly to their previous game against West Ham, although Guardiola hailed the performance on the south coast as 'one of the best' during his tenure.
He added: "
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 2, 2019
0-1 #BOUMCI #mancity pic.twitter.com/HBkZDjViax
"We played 25 games in 93 days, with one game every three or six days at that level, so it was incredible. I'm delighted, it is a joy and a pleasure to be part of this team."
Source : 90min