Kevin De Bruyne is named in Man City’s matchday squad for the first time since AUGUST – with playmaker starting their Premier League clash against Sheffield United on the bench after recovering from hamstring injury
- Kevin De Bruyne has been included in Manchester City's squad for today's match
- Pep Guardiola's champions take on Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium
- Watch out Liverpool and Arsenal! Man City are ready to do what they always do and hit top gear at this stage of the season – Listen to It all starts
Kevin De Bruyne has given Pep Guardiola's Manchester City a major boost as the midfielder is named on the bench for their home Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
The 32-year-old has not played for the champions since their opening match against Burnley in August.
De Bruyne was forced off in the win over the Clarets with a hamstring injury and has been on the sidelines ever since.
It was initially claimed that the Belgian star would not return to action until 2024, but his participation has surprised many fans.
He was spotted training earlier this month as City prepared for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Kevin De Bruyne has been included in Man City's matchday squad for the first time in four months
The Belgian has not played for Pep Guardiola since suffering a hamstring injury against Burnley
Manchester City fans have taken to social media to express their excitement
Now Guardiola considers City's most important player fit enough to return to the matchday squad.
The Premier League champions come into the battle against the Blades on the back of a crucial 3-1 win away to Everton – with Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Bernado Silva all securing victory at Goodsion Park.
De Bruyne's return has undoubtedly given the team a big boost as they look to push on and challenge for the league title after their recent poor run of form.
It seems City fans are also in good spirits, taking to social media to express their excitement about the midfielder's return.
About X – formerly known as Twitter – one fan wrote: 'The best player in the world is back.
'Pray for the rest of the competition. We've given the pretenders countless opportunities to make a statement. Instead they bottled it.”
While another posted: 'I'm getting new signing vibes, the king is finally back,' followed by a goat emoji.
A third seemed confident, tweeting: 'Sad to report the title race has ended today.'
Another City fan seemed confident about their title chances, writing: 'Congratulations on another Premier League title.'
While another user simply tweeted: 'The competition has just started.'
De Bruyne, 32, was an influential figure in City's title win last season. He scored seven times and provided 18 assists in 32 games.
The midfielder featured in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal earlier this season before picking up a hamstring injury against Burnley.