Kevin De Bruyne could miss massive Liverpool match, says Pep Guardiola
The influential Belgian missed the win over Southampton with a knock and the Manchester City boss admitted he may not be fit for Thursday's showdown
KEVIN DE BRUYNE could miss Manchester City's crunch clash with Liverpool on Thursday, admitted Pep Guardiola.
De Bruyne, 27, was not fit enough to face Southampton at St Mary's yesterday due to a knock.
And City boss Guardiola, 47, is concerned he may be without the Belgian talisman for the big game at the Etihad.
He said: "I don't know how Kevin De Bruyne is.
"I know it's not serious, but I don't know if he can play on Thursday."
De Bruyne has played just six times in the Premier League this season for a total of 194 minutes as he battled ligament problems earlier in the campaign.
Guardiola knows just how important the game against Liverpool is. With Jurgen Klopp's men seven points ahead of the reigning champions, the Spaniard reckons his side must win to have any chance of retaining the title.
And he has called on City's supporters to be their extra man for what could be the Premier League decider.
He added: "With the position of Liverpool, if we drop points then it is over, it is finished - it would be almost impossible. Of course they are going to drop points but not too many.
"We are not here to send a message, Liverpool know what they have to do, we know what we have to do on Thursday.
"I know the distance is big, seven points, especially because they're so solid and consistent. But we're at home, hopefully our extra help from our people at the Etihad can help, they can support us.
"In the winter break everyone loses games, except for Liverpool in this period, but everyone drops points, that's normal."
City got back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats with a 3-1 win on the south coast thanks to goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and a James Ward-Prowse own goal.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain unbeaten thanks to their Roberto Firmino-inspired 5-1 mauling of Arsenal at Anfield.