Pep Guardiola delivers major update on Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake injury latest

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered crucial updates on both Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake during his pre-match press conference.

The City boss has been looking ahead to his side’s next Premier League contest, as they play hosts to West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, hoping to retain their spot as league leaders.

Manchester City moved ahead of Arsenal into to first position courtesy of a 1-2 win over Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with goals coming from Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez at Craven Cottage.

However, most of the pre-match conversation was dominated by the fitness of club vice-captain and mainstay attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who did not travel with the rest of the team due to a fitness issue.

Speaking prior to kick-off in London, Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports on the subject of Kevin De Bruyne, “He doesn’t feel good. He has some injury and could not travel. (Timescale for a return?) No, I don’t know.”

Now, addressing the media at the City Football Academy ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with West Ham, Pep Guardiola has delivered a further update on the fitness of the Belgian midfielder, as well as Nathan Ake – who has now returned to first-team training.

“Nathan (Ake) yesterday trained with us, he feels good,” opened Pep Guardiola.

“Kevin (De Bruyne) has started to move, but didn’t train with the team. We have training in a few hours and we will see.

“Yeah (Nathan Ake will be available vs West Ham). Training at 4 o’clock (to assess Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness).”

Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have both players back to full fitness as quickly as possible, with a Champions League semi-final double-header against Real Madrid on the horizon, as well as a packed Premier League schedule.

The visit of West Ham marks the start of a season-defining month for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City players, with the Premier League reaching it’s conclusion towards the back end of May.

Leeds United and Chelsea are also scheduled to visit the Etihad Stadium in that time, while away trips to Everton’s Goodison Park, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Brentford also await the reigning Premier League champions in their hunt for a third successive top-flight crown.