Pep Guardiola Gives Injury Updates on De Bruyne and Stones Ahead of Crucial Matches
Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Manchester City’s injury struggles as the team looks to break their alarming winless streak. While there’s positive progress for Kevin De Bruyne, the news on John Stones remains concerning.
De Bruyne’s Recovery Shows Progress
Kevin De Bruyne, sidelined for nine weeks with a nagging injury, has started to make strides in his recovery. Initially thought to be a short-term setback, the injury caused him pain whenever he kicked a football, limiting his minutes on the pitch. Since returning, De Bruyne has only played 20-30 minutes per game in four substitute appearances.
“He’s closer and better, the last few days,” Guardiola revealed, offering hope that the midfielder may soon return to full fitness.
Stones Faces Extended Absence
The outlook for John Stones is less optimistic. After making a brief comeback against Tottenham, where he only managed the first half, Stones has been absent from the squad for matches against Feyenoord and Liverpool. A persistent foot issue continues to sideline the defender, and Guardiola hinted that Stones could also miss the Champions League trip to Juventus and Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.
Guardiola’s Determined Mindset
As City grapples with injuries and a challenging run of form—losing six of their last seven games—Guardiola remains focused on the task ahead. Speaking about his approach, he emphasized the importance of resilience:
“Think of the next one. It was the same when we won a lot of games. Try to find a good selection. Don’t feel sorry for us; I don’t feel sorry for myself. It is what it is, I have to accept it.”
Next Steps
With Nottingham Forest next on the schedule, Guardiola will look to end the winless streak while managing his squad’s fitness challenges. While De Bruyne’s recovery is a boost, Stones’ absence adds to the hurdles City must overcome in their quest to regain momentum.
