Pep Guardiola indicated that Kevin De Bruyne will be back soon, with a chance of being fit for Leeds.
The Manchester City talisman has missed the last two games with an injury niggle after his latest star turn against Arsenal in the 4-1 win that handed the Blues the initiative in the title race. Julian Alvarez has filled in, and starred in the 2-1 win over Fulham.
De Bruyne returned to training this week as City prepare to face Leeds at the weekend before the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid next Tuesday. Guardiola is unsure whether the Belgian will be ready for Leeds, but does not expect him to need much time to get up to speed given he has not been out for too long.
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"He trained good yesterday. Today we are going to train and decide after training," the City boss said.
"Losing a week or ten days at this stage of the season is not a problem [for rhythm], it was the same with Nathan [Ake]. If he's fit he can play."
While Ake came back this week and De Bruyne is close to a return, all of the players are feeling the efforts of their schedule. Guardiola knows the importance of beating Leeds but will have to assess the condition of each player ahead of the game.
"Yesterday I saw the team really tired because the demands of Fulham and West Ham were so big. I have to see how they recover this again, just three days. My decisions will be focused on how they are physically and mentally to play. Then after, Madrid.
"The Premier League is so nice and so important tomorrow to go four points in front of Arsenal and it is really important. All the focus is on tomorrow."
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