Pep Guardiola will assess Ilkay Gundogan
before deciding whether to hand him a
Premier League debut against Bournemouth,
with David Silva set to miss today’s
match.
And the former Barca manager seems set to
deploy Nigerian teenager, Kelechi Iheanacho
and Belgian star, Kevon de Bruyne in the heart
of City’s attack today.
Iiheanacho and de Bruyne scored the two
goals that condemned Man Utd to a 2-1 home
defeat last weekend at Old Trafford and after
another impressive performance in their
midweek Champions League victory over
Borussia, Guardiola may settle for the duo in
today’s Premier League match.
Gundogan made his first appearance for
Manchester City in Wednesday’s 4-0 win
against Borussia Monchengladbach.
The German was outstanding following a four-
month absence as he recovered from a knee
operation.
But after being for so long out, Guardiola will
be reluctant to push him too hard on his
return to action.
“I thought he was not ready to play 90
minutes, but he played with the quality he
has,” said the City manager.
“It is always a surprise when a player has
been so long without playing how he will
react. But good players are so intelligent.
“We are really happy for his great performance
and he will help us a lot.” Silva was left out of
the Champions League Group C opener after
feeling pain during City’s training session on
Wednesday morning.
The Spaniard was hindered by ankle problems
last season and Guardiola is determined not
to take any risks.
“He is not a big problem, but he will probably
not be able to play against Bournemouth,” he
said. “Hopefully next week against Swansea
he can be read.vanguard
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