Pep Guardiola teases exciting new partnership that could transform how Man City play

Kevin De Bruyne will be more useful to Manchester City in a 20-minute appearance from the bench, rather than rushing him back into the starting line-up against Huddersfield, Pep Guardiola says.

De Bruyne is back in training and set to make his return to action against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Sunday, but Guardiola has urged caution over the Belgian's return after almost five months out with a hamstring injury. The manager is keen to ease De Bruyne back in to avoid a recurrence of his injury and ensure his long-term availability for the rest of the season.

That stance is likely to give Phil Foden another run-out at the top of midfield against City's Championship opponents in the cup, with Guardiola calling the youngster 'unbelievable' at No.10 in recent weeks. With De Bruyne returning, however, Foden's minutes in his preferred central position could be limited.

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That is unless Guardiola can find a way to play both De Bruyne and Foden together as dual No.10s. It would be a tantalising prospect for City fans to see arguably their greatest ever player link up next to their most exciting young academy graduate - but is it possible?

Foden started the season inverting inside from the right-wing, creating a dual No.10 alongside Bernardo Silva or Julian Alvarez in a system that relied on Kyle Walker providing the width on the right. If Rodri patrols the midfield supported by John Stones, there is a possibility of De Bruyne and Foden both playing as attacking No.8s. And that is an option Guardiola appears open