Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will miss Sunday’s game with Everton after testing positive for coronavirus while away on international duty with Belgium.
The Manchester City boss has also revealed that Jack Grealish is unlikely to feature at the Etihad, and Phil Foden is a doubt for the game after returning from international duty with an injury.
Grealish returned to City earlier this week after picking up what England boss Gareth Southgate described as a "small injury" following his side's 5-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
While Foden started for Southgate’s side in their 10-0 victory over San Marino on Monday night, but made way for Tammy Abraham at the break.
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“We have Jack getting better after he went to the national team,” Guardiola said. “Phil Foden came back with a knock and a problem in his leg, but he is getting better.
“And unfortunately Kevin got a positive covid test in Belgium and needs ten days. Jack, I don't think so [will be available]. Phil we will see.”
Before the City boss continued on De Bruyne: “We found out two days ago, he is here. Forget about fitness and momentum, he is positive now he has to recover.
“We have to be careful, people are dying from Covid, he is vaccinated so hopefully he will be okay. There is no concern about rhythm, it's about the human being.”
City come into Sunday’s game three points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table, and Guardiola is hoping his side can start putting results together in a bid to mount a title charge.
“Every season looks more difficult but we're still in the first quarter, many games ahead of us,” he told the media via the Manchester Evening News.
“In general we've put in good performances, dropped some points at home because we weren't at our level.
“Now until January there's no international break we're together. Hopefully we can get results, in the Champions League, and challenge for the title.”
