Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t started a City match since mid-September (Image: Getty)
Pep Guardiola has insisted Kevin De Bruyne is ‘close’ to returning to Manchester City’s starting XI, despite Gary Lineker hinting at a secret rift between the pair.
De Bruyne hasn’t started a game for City since their Champions League opener against Inter Milan in mid-September, having picked up an injury during the 0-0 draw.
The talismanic midfielder eventually returned to action against Sporting in early November but has only been afforded off-the-bench cameos since – none of which have lasted more than 30 minutes.
Commenting on the Belgian’s current fitness status, Guardiola said: “He is closer and even, even better. The last few days he’s even better.”
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Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1983969/pep-guardiola-kevin-de-bruyne-man-city-gary-lineker