Kevin De Bruyne was back in the squad for the 3-1 win over Watford on Sunday, but he has not started a game since the win over Manchester United after testing positive for Covid-19 during the series break international match in November.
Despite the lack of a 30-year-old Belgian star, Manchester City has won 5 consecutive matches in all competitions, thereby regaining the top position in the Premier League as well as completing the goal of reaching the 1/8 round of the Champions League soon.
Coach Guardiola recently confirmed De Bruyne will start in the final match of the Champions League group stage at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, but also emphasised the task he faces.
“Kevin has to come back and fight for his place. He doesn’t have to show me anything, it’s just who he is: show what he has and do what he’s done in the last five or six years.” Guardiola said.
“Competition is essential and Kevin knows it. Same goes for Bernardo Silva and all the wingers too. They have to show it for five minutes or 90 minutes, they have to show quality for themselves and for the team.
“Kevin will start tomorrow and we’ll see how many minutes he can play.” the Spaniard added.
City’s trip to RB Leipzig was just a procedural match, it helped Guardiola give striker Gabriel Jesus a chance to rest when he was not ready for the highest health, and would bring 5 young players with him including Cole Palmer, 19, and James McAtee, 19.
The Skyblues has been dealing with fitness problems from many pillars recently, and their young players have seen more opportunities to show off.
“They are very young and have everything ahead of them. They certainly have potential, are great young players, we all agree with that. If we have to use them, that’s not a problem.” Guardiola said.
RB Leipzig is sitting 3rd in Group A and needs a good result to ensure a place to play in the Europa League. However, what Guardiola is most concerned about is the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic in Germany, causing this match to take place without a fan
“The concern is that the situation is not good in Germany. Please wear a mask, keep your distance and be careful. If the authorities tell you to play behind closed doors, you know the situation is dangerous.” Guardiola said.
