Pep Guardiola blames hectic fixture schedule for Kevin De Bruyne’s serious knee injury
Belgium ace has been ruled out of action for around three months after damaging his knee ligaments in training
PEP GUARDIOLA blamed the hectic football calendar for Kevin De Bruyne’s knee ligament injury.
Manchester City confirmed yesterday their Belgian ace, 27, will be out for around three months.
Boss Pep said: “It’s a tough season, short recovery then they say ‘let’s go’ and we are in the competition. Human beings have a limit and sometimes these things happen.”
KDB helped City to a runaway title triumph last season and then inspired Belgium to third place at the World Cup.
Now after making ONE sub appearance this term, he will be sidelined until November.
Pep added: “It’s part of the game for players — it’s normal, they don’t rest.
“My opinion is you ask a lot of the players, more than 11 months playing.
“Then after he comes back, this can happen. I’m sure when you are fresh, it doesn’t happen as much. He will be a big miss.”
City are keen to be cautious with David Silva, 32, — who returns to the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Huddersfield.
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The Spaniard this week decided to retire from international football after a glittering career.
Pep said: “He decided to rest a little bit more.
“No one at City — and not myself — pushed him. The player has to feel it.”