Why Kevin De Bruyne is not in Man City starting XI vs Real Madrid
Kevin De Bruyne was the shock omission from Manchester City's starting line up at Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu.
De Bruyne scored two fine goals and added an assist at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday having been rested against Aston Villa a few days earlier. Pep Guardiola praised De Bruyne at Selhurst Park, saying the Belgian won the game for City single-handedly in hailing the impact of his talisman who has returned to fitness at a perfect time of the run-in.
However, fast-forward three days and the 32-year-old was left out of the starting line up at Real Madrid, with Phil Foden reclaiming his number 10 spot in the Spanish capital. De Bruyne was named on the bench in a shock decision from Guardiola. MEN Sport understands the Belgian is missing from the XI due to illness.
Real Madrid vs Man City live De Bruyne on bench as Gvardiol gives injury boost in Champions League
"It feels safe - but there is plenty of caution about": More than 2,000 police officers descend on Santiago Bernabeu ahead of Man City match after IS threat
Guardiola was boosted by the return to fitness of Josko Gvardiol, who he had described as a doubt on Monday evening. Gvardiol was substituted at half-time against Palace as a precaution with injury and he didn't train on Monday before the squad flew to Madrid. However, he was included at left-back at the Bernabeu in a huge boost for Guardiola's defensive options.
In another big selection decision, Guardiola preferred to stick with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who has kept goal for the last five games, despite Ederson's return to fitness. Guardiola said on Saturday he must decide whether to reward Ortega's form, or risk Ederson's lack of
Read on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
