Pep Guardiola issues Kevin de Bruyne injury update for Man City

Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne is 'close' to making his return for Man 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 Marinos in their opening match of pre-season on Sunday, but could feature in their final two friendlies against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

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.

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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 led 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.

"He feels much, much much better," he said. "I don't know Bayern Munich, I don't know the next game Atletico Madrid, because of course he has to train. But he is so close. He is coming back soon."

After the Champions League final, De Bruyne said of his injury: "I’ve been struggling for two months but it was all small ruptures. Today [the Champions League final] the hamstring just snapped.

"I give everything for my team and the people in the club know that. I feel proud that I’ve been able to do what I did. It’s a shame that it went the way it did for me today but we go away winning the Champions League so there’s nothing bad.

"I actually felt all right this week but I’ve been told for two months there’s a possibility I was at risk, but you take it. I did what I had to do. Obviously I missed some