Pep Guardiola to let Kevin De Bruyne decide on return

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that he will let Kevin De Bruyne decide when he is ready to return to action.

De Bruyne has been plagued by injuries so far this season, suffering ligament damage on two separate occasions to limit him to just three Premier League appearances.

The Belgian is nearing a return ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but, having quickly sustained another injury after his most recent comeback, De Bruyne will now be given the final call over his fitness.

"I don't know [if he will be ready]. He's started training, but it's day by day," Guardiola told reporters.

"In this kind of situation it is the player himself who decides if he feels good. He will train with the team and we will see."

De Bruyne will definitely miss Tuesday's Premier League clash with Watford, which could see Man City move five points clear at the top of the table.