Man City cannot afford to rest 'so important' De Bruyne, says Guardiola

The highly-efficient Belgian playmaker could be key to his side closing the gap from leaders Liverpool in a busy Christmas period.

Pep Guardiola admits Kevin De Bruyne is too crucial for Manchester City to be given some off time.

The 29-year-old midfielder has played every minute in each of his side’s previous seven Premier League games.

Being the most influential player in the team, his presence will be required more than ever as Sky Blues brace themselves for a hectic fixture list of five games in the next 15 days.

After facing Southampton on Saturday, they play Arsenal away in the Carabao Cup before going against Newcastle United, Everton, and Chelsea.

City find themselves in a very undesirable position in the league – sitting at ninth with 20 points picked from the opening 12 games, eight points from the top of the table.

“No, right now, no,” replied Guardiola when asked if he would give De Bruyne a break amid the congested fixture list, via Mirror.

“He is so important for us, he is not going to rest. He rested in the Champions League, he rested in other games – in previous weeks he just played the Premier League games, and right now we need him.”