The Belgian playmaker is yet to start a Premier League game this season and has made just five appearances in total after injuring both knees on separate occasions.
As he nears his latest comeback, the Blues’ boss admits he is looking forward to having him available for selection again.
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“I think he will be back training in maybe one week,” said Pep.
“I said many times, I’d like to have Kevin available, but we try to not put pressure on one player and instead on everyone involved to make a good team.
“He is coming back. Sergio also in the next few days and weeks.
“Kevin was incredible last season but Gundogan and Bernardo have been outstanding.
“He will see the pressure. My target as a manager is bring out the best in them and that the best thing.”
The City boss also admitted last season’s victory over Chelsea was something of a turning point.
The Blues beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and Pep feels the win gave his side the confidence to believe that anything was possible.
“Winning there was more than just three points,” he said. “It proved we could do it. It was an important step and our first important game away - they were the defending champions and it showed that we could go everywhere and make good performance.
“Our target is to try to do that again. These kinds of games, of course, you want to win - but it’s about our behaviour and how we are a team.
“I said many times when you want to win Premier League, you have to face any type of style.
“You face into different ways, you have to read where the spaces are, and I like this kind of way.
“Chelsea want to win the win, tomorrow will be a good game. If they do it better, they will beat us, if we do it better, we will win!
“Everyone has weaknesses, so I’m not concerned about that, I don’t judge opponents on what they do – it’s just our job to figure out how to beat them.”
Pep was also asked what he thought about Fernandinho’s continued excellence this season, with the Brazilian enjoying perhaps his best campaign yet for the Blues.
“Fernandinho for all years we have been together he has been incredible,” he said.
“Most of the things we have achieved are thanks to that guy. His personality, many, many things and he will continue with that.
“Few players can do what he does. He can do absolutely anything and is an incredible player.”
