evin De Bruyne has returned to full training after missing two matches with “niggles” – but Pep Guardiola will weigh up whether to protect him for next week’s Real Madrid clash.
Pep Guardiola will make a late on whether to select the midfielder against Leeds, when Manchester City can pull four points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.
“He trained yesterday and (was) good,” said Guardiola on Friday. “He will train today, and we will decide. He has been missing one week or 10 days and at this time of the season, that is not a problem. It’s like Nathan [Ake] – if he’s fit he can play.”
Despite City moving a point above Arsenal with a game in hand, Guardiola insists they are not in a position to make wholesale changes and rest players for their Champions League semi-final against Real.
“I’m thinking in how there’s a lot of games with a lot of tension,” he said. “I see the team really tired after demanding games against Fulham and West Ham.
“We have to see how the players recover again after just three days in the previous games. “My decision will be focused on how physical and mental they play.
“Everyone has to be ready, contribution of everyone will be important. Lots or few minutes.”
Ederson could return in goal after Stefan Ortega started against West Ham on Wednesday.
Asked whether he would consider resting Rodri, Guardiola said: “I have to see at the training session. We will see.”
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Stones, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Foden.
