Man City boss Pep Guardiola explains why Kevin De Bruyne not in starting line-up vs Bournemouth

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why he has made three changes to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

Guardiola opted to rotate his side following the draw with RB Leipzig in midweek. Rico Lewis, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez returned to the line-up ahead of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Kyle Walker - who all dropped down to the bench for the Premier League tie.

It had been hinted that Kevin De Bruyne may be fit enough to return to the starting line-up after missing the midweek Champions League trip to Germany with illness but he was only fit enough for the bench.

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Guardiola gave an update on the Belgium international as he explained his team selection ahead of kick-off at the Vitality Stadium.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick off, Guardiola said: "Yeah it is a little bit [due to the high turnover of matches]. We have a little bit of energy [lacking] and it is a little bit after seeing how the players reacted yesterday from the trip and short recovery.

"I didn't see him [De Bruyne] fully, fully recover that is why for a few minutes is better than 90."

The Blues are hoping to end their two-game winless run on the south coast this evening after suffering two frustrating draws. City's point against Nottingham Forest was copied on Wednesday night at RB Leipzig.

Mahrez had given the visitors the lead in the first half which Guardiola's team dominated. However, a close-range header from Josko Gvardiol ensured that the Champions League tie remains firmly in the balance ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.

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