Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has explained why he decided to omit Kevin De Bruyne from his starting lineup to face Real Madrid. The Belgian playmaker tormented Los Blancos in the Champions League last season, but Guardiola has tinkered in a big game once again and left out his star man.
De Bruyne is firmly in form after scoring two stunning goals in the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Guardiola has seemingly decided to use Phil Foden behind Erling Haaland instead.
Jack Grealish retains his spot in the team on the left, with Bernardo Silva on the opposite flank, as Mateo Kovacic has been brought back into the fold to join Rodri in midfield.
But De Bruyne misses out as a result, with Guardiola explaining that De Bruyne starts from the bench after picking up an illness this week.
“Vomits,” Guardiola explained. “He feels unwell. I don’t know (if he can play at all). We had a meeting but when he got to the changing room, vomiting.”
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
Man City XI: Ortega, Akanji, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Haaland.
Subs: Ederson, Carson, Doku, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Susoho, Lewis.
Real Madrid XI: Lunin, Carvajal, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy, Kroos, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo.
Subs: Kepa, Fran, Militao, Nacho, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Diaz, Guler.
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