Kevin De Bruyne injury: Manchester City playmaker faces late fitness test for Liverpool clash

De Bruyne missed City’s 3-1 win at Southampton on Sunday with a muscle problem

Kevin De Bruyne will be subject to a late fitness test on Thursday morning ahead of Manchester City’s top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool.

De Bruyne missed City’s 3-1 win at Southampton on Sunday with a muscle problem, having only recently recovered from a knee ligament injury.

The Belgian returned to training under Pep Guardiola on Wednesday and is in contention to play against league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad.

“He trained today,” Guardiola said. “Tomorrow we need to check in the morning, but he’s much better.”

City risk falling 10 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s visitors if they suffer defeat on Thursday night.

The defending champions have lost three of their last six Premier League games after a difficult Christmas period and Guardiola earlier this week said failing to win on Thursday could be fatal for City’s title defence.

“The reality is clear,” the City manager said on Wednesday. ”We have seven points down so it will be the second game of the second leg, so a lot of points to play for.

“I have the feeling it is a big opportunity for us to reduce the gap. My focus is the same. Everybody asking what will happen if you lose, if you lose but we are going to try. It is our chance to fight or the Premier League.

“Being relaxed against Liverpool will be a mistake. We have to be aggressive with and without the ball. Be ourselves and everyone take responsibility. It will be a pleasure to be there.”