- Guardiola warns of a slow comeback for De Bruyne after a long-term injury
- The Manchester City star has been sidelined for four months with an injury
- IAN LADYMAN: Premier League clubs are so wrapped up in their own self-interest. They want what suits them and that isn't FA Cup replays. It all starts
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Pep Guardiola does not expect a peak Kevin De Bruyne, as the Belgian superstar makes his long-awaited return on Sunday after almost five months of absence with a serious hamstring injury.
De Bruyne will take on Championship Huddersfield in the third round of the FA Cup after his long absence.
The midfielder is regarded as one of Manchester City's best ever players, but his manager does not want to put pressure on the 32-year-old to reach those heights straight away.
'I'm not asking Kevin to play at his level now. We cannot force him or any player in this situation to return from a long-term injury,” Guardiola said.
“It's a time to be calm, play good minutes, do the principles he has to do and the rest will take care of itself.
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De Bruyne suffered an injury in the opening match of the season against Burnley
The Belgian star is preparing for a huge comeback, although Guardiola warns it will take some time
'I had a similar experience during my football career. I was out for a year because of hamstring problems and when you come back, pfff, you need time.
“It's not 'Okay, he's playing and he's the best Kevin.'
'He has to be relaxed, enjoy the minutes he will play and try to help us win the games.
“Kevin may be able to help us more in twenty minutes than in ninety minutes, and after that his body will determine how many more minutes he can get.”
In addition to De Bruyne, Guardiola is also weighing whether fellow absentees Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku will be ready after returning to training. Haaland's foot problem will be closely monitored before he returns to competitive action.
Guardiola has a phenomenal record in the FA Cup. He reached the semi-finals six times in his seven years in England and won the trophy twice, including last year's final against Manchester United – which proved to be the second leg of an historic Treble.
As the country debates whether the sport's most famous knockout competition has a long-term future, Guardiola calls himself a big fan.
“I wasn't born in this country, but I know how special the competition is,” he said.
De Bruyne has swapped the pitch for the dugout since suffering an injury in August
It will take some time before the midfielder is back to his best, boss Pep Guardiola has warned
'Beating United last year put us in a better mood for the Champions League final in Istanbul against Inter.
'Winning the cup against United was a bit more special (than any other team), we have to admit. Perhaps even more special for our fans.
'That rivalry is necessary in our sport. Just like the big three animals in tennis Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, there is competition.'