Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker are both edging closer to full match readiness for Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola is treading carefully with the two leaders. Walker returned to the pitch at Bournemouth after a nearly month-long absence but looked a bit rusty, while De Bruyne was back on the bench, yet Guardiola opted not to bring him on despite City’s struggles.
Walker’s absence this season has been notable, missing seven of City’s 15 games, while De Bruyne has been out for nine games since his last appearance in September against Inter Milan. Walker, who started against Bournemouth, admitted he pushed himself back into action to support the squad amid a string of injuries. Despite his commitment, his 90 minutes showed some fatigue, which Guardiola acknowledged, even as he praised his captain’s determination.
De Bruyne’s return is being managed even more cautiously. Though Guardiola said De Bruyne was technically fit enough to play, the intensity of the game led him to hold back. Guardiola hinted that a start for De Bruyne could be on the horizon, potentially against Sporting or Brighton.
“He came in yesterday and was feeling better, but it has been a month and a half,” Guardiola explained. “The game was so demanding. Maybe in the last 10-15 minutes, we could have done it. With Kevin, I try to take care of him. When he came back from a five-month injury last season, he returned gradually. We need him, but we have to be smart with when and how he comes back.”
Walker, meanwhile, has had minimal training time—only about four or five sessions with the team since the season began, Guardiola shared. But Walker’s physical condition allowed him to step in, even if the lack of routine showed. Guardiola expressed gratitude for Walker’s commitment despite the challenges.
“He can play with no training due to his human condition and physicality,” Guardiola said. “He needs to get back into the rhythm, and I appreciate the effort he made to be there. The last game he played was with the England team. Since then, he trained six minutes yesterday, did some drills, and then played today against [Antoine] Semenyo and all the fast players. It’s not easy. We need him—he’s our captain. Step by step, we hope to see him back at his best.”
With injuries still impacting the squad, the hope is that City’s leaders will be back to peak form soon.
