Bench test for Kev as Pep eases him back into action

GUARDIOLA REFUSES TO RUSH HIS PLAYMAKER AFTER INJURY RECOVERY

- JOE BRAY

KEVIN De Bruyne will be more useful to City in a 20-minute appearance from the bench, rather than rushing him back into the starting line-up against Huddersfield, Pep Guardiola says.

De Bruyne is back in training and set to make his return to action against Huddersfield in the FA Cup on Sunday, but Guardiola has urged caution over the Belgian's return after almost five months out with a hamstring injury.

The manager is keen to ease De Bruyne back in to avoid a recurrence of his injury and ensure his long-term availability for the rest of the season.

That stance is likely to give Phil Foden another run-out at the top of midfield against City's Championship opponents in the cup, with Guardiola calling the youngster 'unbelievable' No.10 in recent weeks. With De at, however, Bruyne returning, Foden's minutes in his preferred central position could be limited.