An explanation for the absence of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City’s starting line-up to face Bournemouth has been provided on Saturday evening.
The Sky Blues, of course, are currently locked in action at the Vitality Stadium.
After watching title rivals Arsenal reestablish their five-point advantage atop the Premier League table, Pep Guardiola’s troops made the trip to England’s south coast, eyeing a victory of their own against Bournemouth.
And, as things stand late on Saturday, this is precisely what the champions appear headed towards.
Owing to first-half goals on the part of all of Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and the record-breaking Erling Haaland, City find themselves in possession of a presumably insurmountable 3-0 lead.
27 AND COUNTING! 🔥
ERLING HAALAND MAKES IT TWO!! pic.twitter.com/3Lyx8qkiQ8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 25, 2023
And yet, as alluded to above, en route to what looks set to prove another comfortable victory, one key member of the Citizens’ setup was forced to make do with a spot on the bench.
Belgian international De Bruyne was a surprise last-minute absent from City’s travelling squad to face RB Leipzig in the first-leg of the Champions League Last-16 tie between the clubs earlier this week, after coming down with a bout of illness.
In turn, upon his place on the bench, rather than in his latest XI, being confirmed ahead of kick-off this evening, boss Guardiola was inevitably drawn on De Bruyne’s situation.
And the Spanish tactician went on to explain:
‘I didn’t see him fully recover, that’s why maybe for a few minutes is better than 90.’
Guardiola on De Bruyne. ‘I didn’t see him fully recover, that’s why maybe for a few minutes is better than 90.’ https://t.co/cckOHhGs0b#MCFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 25, 2023
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