Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kevin De Bruyne will miss Sunday’s match against Everton after testing positive for COVID-19. The 30-year-old will also be unavailable to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening or West Ham United on the following Sunday.
De Bruyne returned a positive Covid test on Wednesday after returning from international duty with Belgium earlier this week.
He provided an assist in his side’s match against Estonia and a goal against Wales to round off a productive break with the Red Devils.
The former Chelsea and Wolfsburg man, who is vaccinated, is now undergoing a 10-day period of isolation as he recovers.
Guardiola broke the news at his press conference on Friday, insisting that he will not rush De Bruyne back into action if he is not ready to return straight away.
“Two days ago, he told me that he was positive. He is here [in Manchester],” the City boss told reporters.
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“Forget about the fitness, the momentum, he has to recover well. The human being is more important than anything else.
“Right now people are dying in this pandemic. He was vaccinated so is more protected and hopefully the symptoms will be minor.
“He will come back as soon as possible. There is no concern about the rhythm or what we are going to miss. We have to help him.”
De Bruyne’s absence on Sunday could see Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva feature alongside Rodri in midfield for City at Goodison Park.
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Meanwhile, Guardiola is also expecting Jack Grealish to be unavailable after returning from England duty with a slight problem, while Phil Foden is also a doubt.
“Jack is getting better after being with the national team [but] I don’t think [he can play],” added Guardiola.
“Phil came back with some disturbing knock and a problem with his leg but is getting better.”
City will be hoping to claim an important victory over Everton on Sunday in order to stay close behind Chelsea, who are currently leading the way in the Premier League title race.
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The defending champions are currently three points adrift of Thomas Tuchel’s side, who have conceded just four goals all season.
City have managed seven wins from their 11 matches since the beginning of the campaign and currently sit level on points with third-placed West Ham.
They returned to winning ways in their last outing against Manchester United, with Eric Bailly’s own goal sending City on their way before Bernardo Silva rubber-stamped the result on the stroke of half-time.
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