Man City guaranteed to be without four players vs Sparta Prague as De Bruyne theory emerges

Manchester City remain without injured quartet Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Rodri and Oscar Bobb for the Champions League tie against Sparta Prague.

The four all missed the weekend win over Wolves and while Rodri and Bobb are long term absentees, the hope was De Bruyne and Walker were close to a return to action. But Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday in his press conference that neither is ready to feature.

Walker picked up an injury on international duty with England while De Bruyne has not played since picking up a problem in the 0-0 draw with Inter Milan last September. Both will be carefully managed on their way back to full fitness.

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De Bruyne's recent injury record is concerning and Guardiola is not prepared to take risks with the playmaker. "It's not a big issue but he doesn't feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old anymore," the City chief said. "He has to be fit completely for his football. He has to be completely comfortable or he cannot express his potential.

"He is training a little bit better. He said to me he still doesn't feel good, so take your time. He has to be [100% ready]."

Guardiola was tight lipped on Walker, simply saying he didn't know when the right back would be fit enough to return from his knee issue. In his absence, Rico Lewis will continue to play on the right of the back four.

City did welcome back Nathan Ake to the matchday squad against Wolves last time out after his own injury absence while Manuel Akanji, a doubt for the trip to Molineux, was fit enough to be among the subs.