De Bruyne Pushing For City Return

Kevin De Bruyne is back in training following a muscle problem but remains a doubt for Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool.

The Belgium international has missed a large proportion of the season with two separate knee injuries and, after returning to action at the beginning of December, was forced to miss Sunday’s 3-1 win at Southampton due to a muscle issue.

The 27-year-old, who was a near ever-present for the Citizens last season, did return to training this week and boss Pep Guardiola is optimistic he will be able to play some part in Thursday’s top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Ilkay Gundogan is also expected to feature in the match following a knock but Fabian Delph will miss out once again through suspension, while Benjamin Mendy and Claudio Bravo remain long-term absentees.

Guardiola is under no illusions regarding the importance of Thursday’s match as City head into the contest third in the Premier League standings and a full seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

“The reality is clear. We are seven points down. This will be the second game of the second leg so there are a lot of points to play for,” he said.

“It is a big opportunity for us to reduce the gap. Our focus is the same. “Everybody has been asking what will happen if we lose. We are going to try to make our game, to be there and be fighting for the Premier League for as far as possible.”