Pep Guardiola urges caution over Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake as Man City wait on injury returns
Premier League Museum Admin 
Pep Guardiola
Manchester City’s key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake, are in the process of recovering from their respective injuries. Both players have been unavailable for selection and are expected to return after the international break. They will not be participating in the upcoming home match against Fulham, along with other long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb. Pep Guardiola provided some insights into their recovery, stressing the need for patience.
Pep Guardiola shared an optimistic outlook on Kevin De Bruyne’s recovery but emphasized caution, acknowledging De Bruyne’s need for more time to regain full fitness post-injury.
Pep Guardiola said, “It [the injury] affected the balance for the upper body and lower body. It’s not a big issue but still not good. He knows his body, every player knows it. Especially in that age and after the tough surgery. The problem with Kevin is just the consequences of the last surgery when he was five months out. Something is right, left. You have to work out of the pitch a lot to make your body as balanced as possible. You cannot play every three days. Because after one year will be perfect. He decide for himself what is best for him. Because the best for him is the best for national team.”
Pep Guardiola further discussed De Bruyne’s decision to sit out of international fixtures to focus on long-term fitness, supporting it as a wise move:
Pep Guardiola said, “This is my advice – when they are fit, go to the national team. When you don’t feel good, don’t go. This is my advice. If they feel good, you have to represent your country, for many players the most important thing. When you are not fit, recover here, you will be fine here. And after you will be better for the national team. It is what it is. My point of view is Kevin takes the smartest, wisest decision.”
Regarding Nathan Ake, Guardiola reported progress but noted that Ake needs more time to be match-ready after his injury last month:
Pep Guardiola said, “We expect him back after the international break. Nathan isn’t like Phil Foden or another player who is two training sessions and fit. He needs time. I think the information I had yesterday is that he started training on the pitch.”
These updates highlight Guardiola’s cautious approach in ensuring his players recover fully before returning to competitive matches.
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