In a recent press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided an update on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker ahead of their Champions League clash with Sparta Prague. The Citizens were missing both players during their last-gasp 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. De Bruyne has been out for the last six games due to a groin problem sustained in their Champions League opener against Inter Milan. Guardiola mentioned that he doesn’t think either player will be ready for the upcoming fixture.
Guardiola confirmed that De Bruyne has returned to training but emphasized the need for the playmaker to be 100% fit before making a comeback. On the other hand, Walker is dealing with a knee injury that he picked up while on international duty. The manager couldn’t provide a timeframe for Walker’s return.
During the press conference, Guardiola mentioned that Rodri and Oscar Bobb are the only players not in training due to injury. He expressed concern about De Bruyne’s fitness, stating that the midfielder needs to be at his best to unleash his potential on the field. Regarding Ake and Foden, Guardiola hinted that they could feature in the upcoming match against Sparta Prague.
Guardiola also provided an update on Bobb, who is expected to return between January and February next year after suffering a leg fracture in August. Although not mentioned in the press conference, Nathan Ake is expected to be named in the squad for the Sparta Prague game after recovering from injury and being an unused substitute against Wolves.