Pep Guardiola delivers Kevin De Bruyne injury update ahead of Bournemouth clash

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be part of Manchester City's travelling squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The playmaker watched on as an unused substitute as the Citizens claimed a slender 1-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

After the match, Guardiola revealed that he 'did not want to take any risks' with the Belgian who has been nursing "niggles" in his hamstring.

De Bruyne was sidelined for five months earlier this season with a torn hamstring sustained on the opening weekend of the season back in August, before he made his long-awaited return at the beginning of January.

The 32-year-old has since made an immediate impact in the Man City first team, scoring twice and registering seven assists in eight matches across all competitions.

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Ahead of Saturday's contest with Bournemouth, Guardiola has provided a positive update on De Bruyne, but the playmaker will be assessed ahead of kickoff to determine his availability.

"He's good – not injured. He's better," the Citizens boss told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"I don't know if he is 100% but we took a good decision to not take a risk, apart from the result, if the result was not good, people would ask why he didn't play. He didn't feel comfortable.

"We have training at 4:00pm. The day after the game he didn't train and yesterday everyone was off, but he trained by himself. Today we will assess. I am sure he will travel."

Man City were boosted by the return of Mateo Kovacic in midweek, with the midfielder coming on as a late substitute against Brentford after missing the previous three games with a minor knee problem.

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Kovacic is available for selection this weekend, but Croatian compatriot Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish will not be ready to return from respective ankle and muscle injuries against Bournemouth, although the duo are not too far away from making a comeback.

"This week no, [Gvardiol and Grealish will not be involved], but they are closer," said Guardiola. "I need to speak with doctors. I don't know. If I know it I will tell you."

With Premier League leaders Liverpool preparing for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Chelsea, Man City can move to within one point of the summit if they beat Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Citizens, who are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games, will be confident of success against Andoni Iraola's side as they have won all 13 of their previous top-flight meetings with the Cherries.