The Belgian midfielder limped off in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, after which it was confirmed he had damaged his right foot and ankle and would miss the trip to Villa Park.
But De Bruyne’s condition has since improved and whilst Guardiola says it is too early to know whether the playmaker will be fit for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, the City boss suggested he could be ready for next week’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
“It was less than we expected and yesterday he felt much better,” said Guardiola at his post-match press conference.
“Today I don’t know because I didn’t speak with him, but we will see tomorrow’s training.
“I think if it’s not really for this final hopefully, maybe he will be ready for the semi-finals of the Champions League”
Phil Foden and Rodrigo got the goals as City fought back from John McGinn’s first minute opener to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
The victory sent us 11 points clear at the top of the table, meaning we require just three wins from our final five games to be crowned champions and, even with Sunday’s showdown with Spurs to come, Guardiola says beating Villa was his primary concern this week.
“It’s the best way because of course Carabao is a final but today was the important game,” he added.
“It was today. Of course, we are going to try to win the Carabao Cup, our fourth final in a row but the important game was today.
“Losing today would’ve been dangerous for sure because United are in top form, winning games a lot.
“But we deserved, for the way we have done this season so far, to have this advantage in our hands. When you arrive in the last five games depending just on yourself, it is a good boost, good credit.
“I saw the team, we were committed and after our two defeats against Leeds, against Chelsea we knew how important it was and of course for the progression for the final and the Champions League game.
“It’s close, the most difficult for many reasons, season of our lives, like all the clubs. We make an incredible consistency and now we just need to finish this chapter winning these remaining two or three games to be champion.”
