Positive Sigh: Pep delivers De Bruyne tangible injury update ahead of Slovan clash
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
“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.
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.”
Slovan Bratislava v City: Travelling squad announced
After our opening goalless draw with Inter 12 days ago, we’re looking to get our first win of the season in Europe’s top tier competition.
It is the opening campaign of a new format, with all 36 clubs placed into one league phase and every team playing eight games each.
This encounter will begin at 20:00 (UK) in the Slovakian capital and we’ll have full coverage across mancity.com and our official app.
Travelling squad
Listed in numerical order.
Kyle Walker
Ruben Dias
John Stones
Mateo Kovacic
Erling Haaland
Jack Grealish
Jeremy Doku
Stefan Ortega Moreno
Ilkay Gundogan
Bernardo Silva
Josko Gvardiol
Manuel Akanji
Savinho
Matheus Nunes
Ederson
Scott Carson
Phil Foden
Rico Lewis
James McAtee
Slovan Bratislava v City app coverage
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from Bratislava in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at approximately 18:45 (UK).
Nedum Onuoha and Shaun Wright-Phillips will be guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Nicky Weaver while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match will be available as will a full-match replay on CITY+.
Leave a Reply