Pep Guardiola Explains Kevin De Bruyne's Absence Against Fulham

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne was left out of his squad to face Fulham on Sunday due to an injury.
Pep Guardiola Explains Kevin De Bruyne's Absence Against Fulham
Pep Guardiola Explains Kevin De Bruyne's Absence Against Fulham /

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne was left out of his squad to face Fulham on Sunday due to an injury.

Initial reports suggested that De Bruyne was likely being rested due to fatigue but Guardiola told Sky Sports shortly before kick-off: "He doesn't feel good.

"He has some injury and he could not travel."

Guardiola was then asked if he could provide any information on when De Bruyne might return.

Shaking his head, Guardiola replied: "I don't know."

De Bruyne's absence providedĀ Julian Alvarez with an opportunity to start his eighth game of the EPL season.

Explaining his decision to select the Argentine striker, Guardiola said:Ā "Julian Alvarez's impact has been really good since day one.

"Due to Erling [Haaland], he hasn't had the minutes that he deserves but his impact has been incredible.

"We need to win today and he has a good sense in front of goal."

Kevin De Bruyne pictured (left) scoring for Manchester City against Arsenal in the Premier League in April 2023
Kevin De Bruyne pictured (left) scoring for Manchester City against Arsenal earlier this week :: IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett

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Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.