Pep Guardiola has downplayed Kevin de Bruyne's injury, admitting that the Belgian's absence was normal after being sidelined for a few months. While de Bruyne's recent injury doesn't seem to be severe, Guardiola couldn't confirm that he will be available for the critical fixture against Liverpool on Thursday.
City set themselves up perfectly for the top of the table clash, winning 3-1 against Southampton on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and an own-goal from Southampton's James Ward-Prowse.
Now that City have overcome that obstacle, attention is already being drawn towards the visit of Liverpool - something Guardiola discussed with Match of the Day, as per Teamtalk after Sunday's match.
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"The guys lose two games and we are out of the Premier League," he told Sky Sports. "If you win one game you are in the Premier League. There's a lot of games.
"You have to try to play with a plan that they've known for many years and they've done it before because they are fantastic. They are incredible guys and it's not easy, win or lose, to realise that."
Kevin De Bruyne was absent for the win over Southampton due to a muscular injury, but Guardiola could not confirm to Sky Sports whether he would be available for Thursday's match.
"I don't know how he is. Today he was not able to play, but it is not a big issue
"It is normal for this to happen when you spend three to four months out injured - you come back in such a demanding period and you have a little bit of a problem.
"It's not a big issue, but I cannot say if he will be able to play on Thursday."
Source : 90min