Pep Guardiola is set to put faith in his medical team and start Kevin De Bruyne tonight after his return from injury, earlier than first expected. The Belgian playmaker suffered a serious knee injury in August that was set to rule him out until late November, but some magical work from City’s medical team has seen him return much sooner than expected.
Now, Guardiola is looking likely to start his star man in this crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham on a Wembley surface that would not look out of place at your local park. After three NFL games on the hallowed turf, it is now shredded to bits and does not look up to its usual high standards.
However the Spanish boss was keen to brush off any worries about the pitch: “It's what it is,” he said. “I'm pretty sure Tottenham have a good greenkeeper, I'm pretty sure the Premier League don't like it. Tottenham too.
When they are fit, we have full focus on what we have to do,” he said. “When you take care properly and focus, knowing that the pitch may not be in the best condition and you have to be ready.
“We are going to take a decision which is the best line up and we are going to see.”
Kevin De Bruyne has travelled with the squad down to London and is expected to make his first Premier League start for City since that knee injury. He has been in full training with the first team squad and is hoping for some minutes this evening in what promises to be a vital game in the Premier League season.
Spurs’ pitch has come in for a lot of criticism, given the fact they should not even be playing at Wembley. Their new stadium has now been delayed until next season and the whole situation has become farcical, with fans promised a debut season at a brand spanking new White Hart Lane.
This Wembley pitch is sure to draw criticism tonight but potentially could disrupt City’s passing football and give Spurs a bit of hope in what could be a close game.