The Belgian playmaker returned to the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, but didn’t take part in the game.
Having been absent for the past seven weeks, Guardiola says he wants to be 100% sure before playing the 33-year-old, who he says has felt much better in recent days.
“Kevin [on Friday] only started to feel better but it’s been a month and a half, and the game [against Bournemouth] was so demanding,” said the boss.
“Maybe in the last 10 or 15 minutes for us we could have done it, but especially with Kevin I try to [look] after him.
“When he came back after five months injured last season, he finished well and started well after he comes back again.
“Of course we need him, and he will be back. Try to [ease him back], in the right moment, and in the right [place] to do it.”
Guardiola was also asked how Kyle Walker was progressing after he made a surprise start against the Cherries.
Walker picked up a knee injury while on international duty with England and was expected to be absent until after the upcoming set of international matches.
“Since I returned this season after the Euros, he’s trained in maybe four or five sessions,” said Pep.
“So he can play without training because of his human condition, the physicality - it’s incredible.
“But of course he needs to be back in the routine of playing games and focusing on what we have to do.
“I appreciate a lot the effort he has done to come back. The last 16 days since the last game he played with the national team with England.
“Arrive, didn’t train once except yesterday six minutes, in the boxes. Six minutes.
“Then today he played 90 minutes against Semenyo and all the fast players it is not easy.
“He is our captain, and we need him back to his best and step by step hopefully he can reach it. “
