Pep Guardiola has defined why Kevin de Bruyne was an unused sub of their FA Cup loss to Liverpool on Saturday night.
The reliable midfielder picked an harm in midweek towards Atletico Madrid, making him uncertain for the Wembley conflict.
Talking after the match, Guardiola stated he didn’t wish to danger the Belgian forward of the of the tip of season run-in.
“He nonetheless had 4 stitches in his proper foot when he hit the ball,” Guardiola defined at his post-match press convention.
“He might stroll and run, however the ball was disturbing him and on the finish if he performs and opens up two or three stitches perhaps we lose him extra.
“In fact, Kevin was pleased within the situation and will play perhaps from the start as a result of he feels match, perhaps to play within the second half, however I didn’t wish to take the chance to lose him, in case it opened up the harm once more or acquired an an infection.
“That’s why I took that call. Whenever you play quite a lot of video games and hard ones, these conditions can occur.”
Liverpool scored three objectives within the first half to doubtlessly kill the sport, earlier than two comfort strikes within the second half from Metropolis.
Guardiola acknowledged accidents performed a component in his choice to not make most modifications within the second interval.
“Kevin couldn’t play, Kyle couldn’t play, however it’s what it’s with the season now we have,” he added.
“We have now the scenario, however it’s what it’s. We play quite a lot of video games and we don’t have the largest squad.
“When everybody’s match it’s okay, but when there’s just a few accidents it’s not sufficient.
“Riyad was match, Rodri [too]. The opposite ones there have been issues.
“Fernandinho performed superb, Bernardo and Joao and I feel Gabriel was enjoying good and Raheem was enjoying good, that’s why generally you don’t do it.
Up subsequent for Metropolis is a house tie towards Brighton, on Wednesday evening.
