Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne is available for Thursday’s game vs Tottenham after he missed training due to a “personal issue”, Pep Guardiola has revealed.
It was noticeable that the Belgium international was not present in a Man City training session earlier this week but Guardiola has confirmed that there was not a serious problem.
“He had a personal issue and could not train but today he is back,” the City boss said on Wednesday.
Centre-backs John Stones and Ruben Dias could also be available after recent injury lay-offs.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “They are back. They have trained really well in the last two sessions, both. They are in contention.
“We are going to train this afternoon and see who is going to play.”
City are hoping to bounce back after their frustrating loss to Manchester United in last Saturday’s derby at Old Trafford.
Guardiola said: “It’s over. It’s past. We are not going to change anything now, so the focus is Tottenham.
“Two minutes later, in the dressing room, that was my message to the team.”
On City’s attacking issues, he added: “Sometimes our fluidity to play has not been as good as usual.
“To create chances, you have to play well, with a good build up to spread the defensive line. We’ve struggled in the last two games. When we play well it is tactical, we have a duty to find a solution. This is what we have to do; the mentality of this group of players is not in question.
On chasing Arsenal for the title: “It is better [to lead by eight points]. You can drop points and still be there. When you are eight points behind you can’t drop points.
“Pressure is the next game. We can’t think about expectation except winning the next game. If Arsenal are eight points ahead it is because they are solid, good n all departments and deserve to be there.”
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