Why Kevin De Bruyne is on Man City bench despite Pep Guardiola admitting he's not ready to play

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted Kevin De Bruyne isn't fit enough to play any part in the Sheffield United game despite recalling the Belgium international to his matchday squad.

De Bruyne, 32, has been included on the bench at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. City were forced into a change for the fixture with Josko Gvardiol replacing England defender John Stones.

The latter picked up an ankle injury during the Everton match at Goodison Park earlier in the week. Mateo Kovacic replaced Matheus Nunes, but it was fit-again Belgium captain De Bruyne who took centre stage when the two line-ups were announced.

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Despite suggesting City would, once again, be without the 32-year-old this afternoon, he was a surprise inclusion when Guardiola dropped his team sheet. However, while De Bruyne's name was inked in for the first time since an opening-day injury setback, he might not feature against the Blades.

Asked about his condition and the prospect of him featuring, Guardiola told Sky Sports: "I would say not. But he's training and we spoke yesterday about him being on the bench and in the routine and the locker room."

Guardiola continued: "He's one of our captains so it's important. It's really nice to see him back and him being there is proof that he's getting close to coming back."

City are without Stones (ankle), Jeremy Doku (muscular) and Erling Haaland (foot) this afternoon. Gvardiol replaces Stones in defence after being summoned from the bench when the latter was withdrawn at Everton. Kovacic for fellow midfielder Nunes marks the other change made to the starting XI.

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