Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne was benched during the 1-0 victory over Brentford due to slight niggles, emphasizing that it was a precautionary decision. Guardiola expressed that De Bruyne is not injured but will assess his fitness in the afternoon training session before deciding on the starting lineup for the upcoming game against Bournemouth. The manager highlighted the importance of avoiding unnecessary гιꜱks, considering the potential questions if the result had not been favorable.

While Mateo Kovacic made a return to the team last weekend, Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish are unlikely to be part of the squad for the Bournemouth game. Gvardiol has not played since the win at Brentford on February 5, while Grealish suffered a muscle ιnjᴜry in the victory against FC Copenhagen on February 13. 

Guardiola mentioned that both players are getting closer to a return, providing encouraging news about their recoveries. However, their involvement in this week’s game reмɑιns uncertain, pending discussions with the medical team.