Kevin De Bruyne Man City injury latest as Pep Guardiola makes Erling Haaland claim

De Bruyne injury latest after missing pre-season friendly

Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne is 'close' to making his return for Manchester City and he could even feature for them during pre-season.

The Belgian playmaker was not involved as City came from behind to defeat sister club Yokohama F. Marinos in their opening match of pre-season on Sunday, but could feature in their final two friendlies against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

READ MORE: City player ratings vs Yokohama Marinos

It was no surprise to see De Bruyne miss out on the match after he didn't take part in the club's open training session on the eve of their first friendly fixture. The 32-year-old has yet to return to full training since limping out of the Champions League final last month, later admitting he had been playing with an injured hamstring for two months as he inspired City to an historic treble.

Speaking after the win over Yokohama on Sunday, Guardiola was asked when we might see his star midfielder back in action.

Here is what he had to say on the subject

Haaland fitness claim made by Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is fitter now than he was at the same stage of pre-season a year ago, following his clinical brace against Yokohama Marinos.

City came from behind to win 5-3 against their Japanese sister club on Sunday. Half-time substitute Haaland scored two goals with just three touches of the ball. The Norwegian forward already has more goals than he managed across the first three matches of last summer, when he scored the winner vs Bayern Munich but failed to net against Club America or Liverpool in the Community Shield.

Haaland broke the Premier League scoring record with 36 goals last season, netting 52