Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte to Miss Man City’s Leipzig Clash
Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte, and John Stones of Manchester City will not play in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal matchup against RB Leipzig on Wednesday because Pep Guardiola did not include them in the traveling party.
De Bruyne and Laporte were both sick, according to the City boss, and were unable to play on Tuesday.
Guardiola stated, “Kevin and Laporte — sickness.”
“Unfortunately, things are what they are throughout the season. Occasionally, something occurs.
Kevin wasn’t feeling well straight after the game against Nottingham on Sunday, and Laporte wasn’t feeling well yesterday, so they won’t be playing.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Leipzig manager Marco Rose argued that despite the absence of de Bruyne, 31, City remained a serious threat.
“Kevin is one of the top players in the world, in my opinion. He is dangerous in front of goal because he sees and understands space, Rose told reporters.
“A lot passes through him in this team, but a world-class player will take his place.
“Man City functions as a unit. They don’t have personalities. Tomorrow, a team that is out to win the Champions League will take the field,” he continued.
Dani Olmo, a Spanish midfielder, will not play, according to Leipzig, while France’s Christopher Nkunku, a forward, is questionable and will, at best, start on the bench.
It was unfortunate that Nkunku missed the World Cup, Guardiola remarked on Tuesday, adding that he hoped Nkunku would be healthy enough to play for the Germans.
We witnessed a top-tier talent at home last season.
“I hope he returns to Manchester. I’ve always wanted to play on the best teams with the best players.”
