Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne faces a “few months out” with a hamstring injury after being forced off in the opening day win over Burnley:
“It’s a seriously injury,” the City boss said. “We have to decide surgery or not surgery but a few months out.”
This leaves Manchester City short on options in midfield for the coming months, with games in the Champions League and League Cup on the horizon:
De Bruyne’s injury could see City return to the market, with Guardiola confirming: “We will see. We’ll talk with [sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] and the chances and possibilities.”
The Sky Blues have been linked with West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta of late.
The City boss also stressed his desire to keep goalkeeper Stefan Ortega amid links with a move to Bayern Munich.
“First for his quality. He’s played in the Bundesliga, I saw him and said what a keeper we have. We don’t want to sell him, but like many cases on three parties.
“If Stefan has two weeks out of the market we have to pick up a keeper, it’s not easy. We want him for years and years.”
10 best forwards to pick for your 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League side
