Friday 19 October 2018 15:03, UK
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne is available for Manchester City against Burnley but is unsure if the player is fit enough to start.
Sky Sports News reported this week that De Bruyne was due to have a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's game.
He remained at City over the international break, having not played since injuring his knee in training during the second week of the season.
Asked if De Bruyne could start against Burnley, Guardiola said: "I don't know. I don't know if he's able to play 90 minutes but he's trained really well over the last two weeks, he has no pain so he is ready to be part of the group.
"He's such an important player for us. Every player who is out I like when they come back with us because we are a stronger group. There is no doubt how important Kevin is for us."
City forward Raheem Sterling broke his three-year goal drought for England by scoring twice against Spain during the international break, but Guardiola played down talk of the player needing to silence critics.
It has been claimed Sterling has been unfairly targeted by the media, with Ian Wright suggesting there was an agenda against the player.
"The criticism when he played in England is for one or two years so no change because he scored two goals," said Guardiola.
"His mentality now is stronger than before, it was strong in the World Cup. I think he played so well in terms of movement - creating space for Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard.
"The value, the character, the personality, does not depend if one day you score two goals. He remains a good player before and after.
"The most important thing, he's 23 years old, he knows he can do better and still improve."
