By Babalola Seyi
Despite missing a training session this week, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne will play against Tottenham on Thursday, according to Pep Guardiola.
De Bruyne was missing from City training on Tuesday after being granted time off for personal reasons ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League visit to the Etihad Stadium.
The absence of Belgium’s midfielder was noticed when a television team videotaped part of the training session.
However, City Pep Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday that De Bruyne will start for the champions against Antonio Conte’s club.
“He had a personal issue and could not train but today he is back,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola also revealed that City center-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones are hoping to return against Tottenham after injury lay-offs.
Portugal’s Dias has not featured since the World Cup due to a thigh injury, while England international Stones has missed the past three games with an unspecified fitness issue.
“They are back. They have trained really well in the last two sessions, both. They are in contention,” Guardiola said.
“We are going to train this afternoon and see the way we have to play and who is going to play.”
