Kevin De Bruyne was benched for Manchester City’s Premier League match against Everton on Saturday, but Pep Guardiola said that he “feels good
On Monday night, Kevin De Bruyne played his first ninety minutes since his hamstring injury came back, helping Man City come back from behind to defeat Brentford 3-1.
However, for Saturday’s early kickoff against Everton at the Etihad Stadium, the Belgium international is benched, and Matheus Nunes begins with Rodri in central midfield.
With their Champions League last-16 match against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night and their home match against Chelsea the following Saturday, City will have a short turnaround.
When asked whether De Bruyne was rested ahead of City’s Champions League match or whether he needed a break, Guardiola said, “No, no, he feels good.”
However, I always have a [winces] still at the moment. He felt great after playing 90 minutes [against Brentford], and he had time to heal, but we still have a lot of games left.
Matheus [Nunes] is training incredibly well, and we need him too. When players are used for extended periods, they are not prepared and lack rhythm, which is why we need everyone to be part.
“Hopefully, we can use some new players to defend the outcome or change the dynamics in the second half.”
