The Belgian has returned to training but is yet to feature since early August after having surgery on a hamstring problem.
Guradiola says De Bruyne has been mentally refreshed by the prolonged absence, but it’s important that his comeback is carefully managed to avoid any further setbacks.
“How he is training is with a lot of energy,” the boss said. “I know injuries are not good for everyone but for his mind this two or three months off has been good for him.
“The desire to come back, to play what he loves. It’s playing football. But now we have to handle the [comeback].
“A long injury with surgery and muscular, we have to be careful. Because it looks like you are perfect but you are not. How many minutes you have to handle. Step-by-step. Not to play 90 after three days and 90 after three days. After that we would be in trouble.”
De Bruyne was part of our squad that won our fifth trophy of 2023 when we collected the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this month.
However, he didn’t get onto the pitch and Guardiola says he is taking careful advice from our medical staff ahead of our Premier League clash with Sheffield United at the Etihad on Saturday at 15:00 (UK).
“I speak with him and especially the doctors and physio to see if he can play [from] half-time, maybe 10 minutes, maybe 20 minutes,” Pep added.
“Now we are no problem because of the process we play in. Seven days to recover not three days and three days. Not as much. If the people need him we will try to use him.”
De Bruyne was not the only player to miss the 3-1 win over Everton on December 27 with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku missing through injury and Ruben Dias with illness while John Stones was forced off in the first half.
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With a lighter schedule immediately after the New Year, Guardiola is hoping to have a full squad for a busy February.
“It’s massive, having Kevin, Erling, Jeremy and John available,” he added. “Ruben in the last game was sick and could not be involved.
“It’s important, there are a lot of games in February and we have to everyone.
“Of course we are talking about important figures, important players for us. No doubt about that.”
