Kevin De Bruyne’s continued exile from Man City’s starting lineup has raised the eyebrow of former Man United player and pundit Gary Neville.
The Belgian was a late substitute on Sunday evening as City suffered another damning 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
De Bruyne's injury woes have caused issues.
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De Bruyne's injury woes have caused issues.Credit: Getty
De Bruyne has struggled with a hamstring injury in recent seasons, missing 19 games last term with the issue. This season he missed five games after the same issue flared up again.
With Man City’s poor run of recent form, the decision to leave the 33-year-old out of the starting eleven has caused a stir, with Neville suggesting there could be trouble in paradise.
“There are a few things that are interesting,” he said on the Gary Neville podcast after the final while at Anfield.
“The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?
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“We know he's had injuries but why is he not out there because he's a leader, he's got authority, he's confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.
“There's something happening but Guardiola has got complete [control] of the club, he's extended his contract and he's probably just waiting for the January and [summer] transfer windows.
“He has built two sensational football teams while he's been at the club and he's going to have to go and build a third.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher agreed with Neville, who insisted that 'something isn't right' between the attacking midfielder and his manager.
“Something is going on with De Bruyne,” he said on Sky Sports. “For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn't starting games and doesn't come on at halftime today.
“I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn't right between those two. It is sad because we are talking about one of the greatest managers and greatest players in the Premier League.
Neville believes that De Bruyne's absence points to an issue in the City dressing room
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Neville believes that De Bruyne's absence points to an issue in the City dressing roomCredit: Getty
“His contract is up this summer and I know he has had a few problems but something isn't right if he isn't in the team when he is fit.”
Last summer De Bruyne was rumoured to make a move away from the Etihad as his current deal neared its expiration. Now his absence from the side has only added further speculation.
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also raised the question of whether there is a rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola, who has shown a ruthless streak with wantaway City stars in recent seasons.
“Is there something going on there?” he said on the Rest is Football podcast. “He's been coming on for about five to 10 minutes for about a month now so you'd imagine he's getting fitter. I even saw both of them making interesting statements in the week that seem that all is not well.”
Former Man City defender Micah Richards added: “This goes back to before the international break where he got some minutes but after the break, he didn't start and then he hasn't started again but he's the one that can unlock a door.
“We know that with De Bruyne you've got to wrap him in cotton wool, especially in previous seasons, but in a big game like this - but even just the talks and potentially going to Saudi Arabia at the end of the year, it looks like there's some sort of rift going on between them.”
City's next game is against high-flyers Nottingham Forest
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City's next game is against high-flyers Nottingham Forest
De Bruyne arrived at Man City in August 2015 for a reported club-record fee of £55million.
He has scored over 100 goals for City and has achieved 6 Premier League titles with the club.
Guardiola, who is on the worst run of form of his career, admitted City ‘cannot handle’ playing good sides at the moment after their fourth Premier League defeat.
“Teams are good and we can’t handle it right now,” said Guardiola. “What can I say? These players have given me the chance to live maybe the best years of my life. All I can do is be here to try and find a solution.
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“In the right moment the club will take a decision about what is needed to allow this club to still be there.”
Man City’s recent dip in form has seen them slip to fifth in the Premier League. Their next opportunity to return to their winning ways comes on Wednesday evening when they host Nottingham Forest.
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