The reason Kevin De Bruyne did not play in Manchester City’s victory over Brentford has been disclosed by Pep Guardiola.
The star midfielder did not enter the game during Tuesday’s Premier League match between Manchester City and Brentford, as Erling Haaland’s goal in the 71st minute proved to be the game-winning goal. De Bruyne was rested from the midweek play as a precaution due to a hamstring complaint, as Guardiola revealed after the game.
The Cityzens manager stated at his press conference following the game: “I didn’t want to take any chances with him because he has hamstring niggles. It was more about prevention, but he is well. He added that the physicians advised against taking a chance and that he didn’t feel comfortable.
After sustaining a hamstring injury during City’s Premier League opener against Burnley in August, the 32-year-old missed the opening part of the season. In the third round of the FA Cup, he made his comeback against Huddersfield in the new year. The Belgian has contributed four assists in his five Premier League appearances after returning from his injury.
The defending champions cut the deficit to current league leaders Liverpool to just one point after defeating The Bees. Saturday’s matchup between City and Bournemouth will determine whether they return to the top of the table, since Liverpool will be occupied with the Carabao Cup final.