Absent De Bruyne ‘doesn’t feel good’, says Guardiola

Kevin de Bruyne “doesn’t feel good” and will not be rushed back into action, says Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

The 33-year-old has missed the Premier League champions’ past six fixtures with a muscular problem and is unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s Champions League match at home against Sparta Prague.

City are already without Rodri and Oscar Bobb with long-term injuries.

“Except for Rodri and Oscar, the other ones are in training and getting better, but guys like Kevin, for example, are not exactly fit,” the manager said.

“It’s not a new issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine. Kevin is not 22 years old, he has to be fit for his football. He doesn’t feel comfortable that he can express his incredible potential at his best.

“He is training better but he doesn’t feel good. He said he doesn’t feel good. If you don’t feel good, take your time.”

Phil Foden, who last season scored 28 goals for club and country and was named PFA Player of the Year, has had a slow start to this season.

But the 24-year-old was instrumental in City’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Wolves on Sunday, delivering the corner which led to John Stones’ stoppage-time winner.

“He feels much better. The minutes he played last game, for example,” Guardiola said.

“With Phil, you realise immediately when he is happy and fit and mentally in the right moment. You realise he’s getting better and better.”

City and Sparta both have four points from their opening two Champions League matches.