Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out of
Saturday’s home Premier League game against Arsenal through injury.
De Bruyne, 29, was substituted in Belgium’s Nations League match against England on Sunday.
He returned to City after leaving the Belgium squad before their game against Iceland on Wednesday.
“Everyone came back a little bit better than the previous time because then Cancelo, Bernardo and others were injured and couldn’t play the beginning of the season,” Guardiola said in Friday’s press conference.
“Kevin is out unfortunately but the rest of the players came back well. I don’t think [Kevin’s injury] is much but he will be out for the next games I think.”
Guardiola commented on Sergio Aguero’s return to training after being sidelined with injury.
“Sergio is training well and we are happy. Every team needs a striker and we played without them. He has been training good and we’re happy to see him back on the pitch after a long time.”
On the absence of Gabriel Jesus from Saturday’s clash:”There are some muscle injuries you can take a risk for and others you cannot. He has an injury in the front part of his leg. If there is another incident we would lose him for a long time. I don’t know [how long he will be out for].”
And on facing his former assistant Mikel Arteta, the Spanish coach said:”We should clarify who is the master and who is the apprentice. We didn’t have any doubts about what he is doing in a short period of time. He settled really well and the way his team is playing right now is perfect for the quality they have.
“He was able to get Arsenal back to the position they were a long time ago. He’s doing really well in all competitions and Mikel is a competitor and a fighter and all the people who love him are more than happy with what he is doing in London.”
