Pep delivers De Bruyne injury update ahead of Slovan clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says that he is hoping Kevin De Bruyne will be back in contention for selection after the October international break.

The City midfielder was forced off the pitch during City’s opening UEFA Champions League clash against Internazionale earlier this month with a thigh issue.

The Belgian has subsequently missed the last three matches and was also not part of the squad the flew out to Slovakia ahead of Tuesday’s second Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava.

However, addressing the media at his pre-match press conference, the City boss delivered the latest on his availability as well as updating on the readiness of his squad with long term injury casualties Rodrigo and Oscar Bobb also unavailable

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“Hopefully after the international break he [Kevin] will be back,” Pep said.

“Everybody is ready - we will put out the best team possible to compete and beat them.”

Slovan lost their first Champions League game 5-1 to Glasgow Celtic.

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However, the boss said he was anticipating another tough test for his players come Tuesday evening.

“This is a team that I would say plays with courage,” Pep said.

“I saw the game against Glasgow Celtic and they were not scared to play,” Guardiola pointed out.

“Not scared to link with their striker and they want to try it.

“The Champions League it doesn't matter, I always have incredible respect for all the teams, especially when you play away.

“Hopefully we can be an aggressive team again and take a result.”