De Bruyne is now firmly cemented as one of the greatest playmakers in Premier League history after eight full seasons in England.
However, the Belgian has been unavailable since his first-half withdrawal in the season opener at Burnley back in August.
He returned to the bench for last week’s win over Sheffield United and could feature in this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Huddersfield Town or next Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.
City v Huddersfield Town | Match preview
While the boss has confirmed he will be cautious with the use of his midfielder, he doesn’t expect De Bruyne to change his swashbuckling style that made him a central figure in a golden period for the Club.
“I would love him to play the way he did last eight years. He’s not going to change,” he said.
“The quality and potential is there. A big injury, concerned the most to try to avoid it. Be careful with minutes.
“[He will say] ‘I want to play’ but we have to be careful.
“Speak with him and with the physios and the guys who knows the best process for his minutes. Kevin needs to accumulate weeks with training sessions, weeks and minutes. Four, five, six sessions in a row.
“Minutes again, one day 90 minutes and training good. That’s the best for Kevin.”
City’s opponents this weekend sit 21st in the Championship having won five of their 26 league matches this season.
They are managed by Darren Moore, who has previously been in charge of West Brom in the Premier League before stints with Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.
During his seven and a half seasons in England, there has been a growing theory that Guardiola has influenced football beyond the top tier.
The Catalan wasn’t drawn on whether teams below the Premier League have changed their style to match his successful philosophy, instead stating that sides perform how their boss wishes.
“Always I see the teams play what the manager believes. What the manager has,” said Guardiola.
“One team play high press because the manager believes in it. Long balls.
“I’d say many times I try to play my game and the way I like. Everyone copy and pastes from other managers the little details. Me included.”
City v Huddersfield Town coverage
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Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:00 (UK).
We will have special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538
During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Highlights from the match, as well as a full-match replay [which can be accessed with a CITY+ subscription] will be available at midday on Monday.
