By Daily Sports on December 22, 2018

Kevin De Bruyne’s timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a punishing programme over the festive period.

The Belgium international, who has been limited to just 96 minutes of league football so far this season, started the midweek League Cup quarterfinal against Leicester, which City won on penalties.

He completed 70 minutes in only his second outing since injuring his knee for a second time this season in a League Cup tie with Fulham on 1 November and scored City’s goal in the 1-1 draw.

“I’ve been out so long, so to play 70 minutes is a really good sign for me personally,” he told the club’s official website. “I feel a little bit stiff but I’m happy to contribute again.”

City’s home match in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on Saturday is the first game in a run of six matches in 16 days in three competitions, so Guardiola will be desperate to have all his major stars at his disposal. The player, however, believes he was the victim of bad luck.

“I played the most of anyone last year – in the whole world,” said De Bruyne. “And I played the World Cup without a problem.

“I think the most important thing is having a summer break – if you have that you can feel OK but there is always a time in someone's career where you feel a bit less.

“But I felt all right, it was just a shame that when I came back after one week I was out for two-and-a-half months. I was happy to come back and worked really hard but after three games it happened again.”

The 27-year-old is upbeat despite his disrupted season and is preparing to help second-placed City in their title defence.

“There’s nothing I can do – it was two accidents,” he said. “I'm happy with my body because I know I have no problems with muscles. They were both just accidents, the second time also. I felt my knee and it pops, so you just work hard and try to be back as soon as possible.” (SuperSport)

•Photo shows Manchester City star, Kelvin De Bruyne 

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 22, 2018

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