Pep Guardiola has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday evening.

City have been without De Bruyne since their opening Champions League fixture against Italian champions Inter Milan on 18th September.

De Bruyne pulled up late in the first half and was substituted at half-time, subsequently missing the matches against Arsenal, Watford in the Carabao Cup, and Saturday’s draw against Newcastle.

Guardiola Issues De Bruyne Update

With the news that Rodri will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury sustained in the draw with Arsenal, City are keen to see De Bruyne return as soon as possible.

Speaking ahead of the match against Slovan Bratislava, Guardiola shared a positive update on the Belgian international’s recovery.

“Hopefully after the international break, he [Kevin De Bruyne] will be back,” Guardiola revealed during his pre-match press conference.

Despite the injury setbacks with De Bruyne and Rodri, City have still made a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten with 14 points from their first six games, just a point behind early leaders Liverpool.

De Bruyne has been a crucial component of City’s success since joining the club from German side Wolfsburg in 2015, going on to establish himself as one of the greatest players ever to feature in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old has won six Premier League titles and the Champions League, amongst numerous other trophies, during his time at the Etihad.

However, De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and it appears that discussions over a new deal have yet to begin. This could potentially be his final season at the club.

The Belgian has previously been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and it is possible he could look to conclude his remarkable career with a lucrative deal abroad.