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Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola has revealed that Belgium international, Kevin De Bruyne will be available for selection despite missing training this week.
Speculations are flying around that the mercurial Midfielder could be injured and may miss today’s encounter against Tottenham at Etihad stadium.
However, findings show that De Bruyne was absent from City training on Tuesday after being given time off for personal reasons
The Belgium midfielder’s absence was noted when a television crew filmed part of the training session.
But City Pep Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday that De Bruyne is set to feature for the champions in the crucial clash against Antonio Conte’s team.
“He had a personal issue and could not train but today he is back,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed City centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones are also hoping to return against Tottenham after injury lay-offs.
Portugal’s Dias has not featured since the World Cup due to a thigh injury, while England international Stones has missed the past three games with an unspecified fitness issue.
“They are back. They have trained really well in the last two sessions, both. They are in contention,” Guardiola said.
“We are going to train this afternoon and see the way we have to play and who is going to play.”
City are hoping to bounce back after their controversial 2-1 defeat at arch rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
Arguments raged over the nature of United’s game-changing equaliser, when Bruno Fernandes’ strike was allowed to stand despite Marcus Rashford being offside and appearing to interfere with play in the build-up.
Rashford compounded City’s frustration by grabbing the winner moments later to leave City trailing leaders Arsenal by eight points.
Refusing to let his players feel sorry for themselves, Guardiola has no intention of dwelling on the frustrating result.
“It’s over, it’s past. We are not going to change anything now, so the focus is Tottenham. Two minutes later, in the dressing room, that was my message to the team,” he said.