Pep Guardiola gives Man City update on Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte for Bournemouth trip

Kevin De Bruyne will likely be available for Manchester City’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, but Aymeric Laporte is unlikely to feature.

The Premier League champions were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in the opening leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against RB Leipzig in Germany on Wednesday.

City have the chance to return to winning ways against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to close down the gap to leaders Arsenal, who are two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand over second-placed City ahead of a trip to the King Power Stadium this weekend.

Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones all missed City’s European trip in midweek, with the former two suffering from illness and Stones still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained a few weeks ago.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Guardiola provided an update on the aforementioned trio and if they will be available for selection at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

“We have training this afternoon,” he said on Friday. “I think Kevin is back for training, Aymer I don’t think so. John maybe partial. We will know in the next few hours.”

“We will see, maybe Kevin but the other two I don’t think so.”

Speaking on Bournemouth’s threats, Guardiola told his side to be aware of their strengths.

“I saw many good things I like against Bournemouth, good results, with a draw against Newcastle. Defeat at Brighton but last minute. They are so intense.

“If they have done it away, imagine at home, their high pressing. Really good. Defend compact, try to play in different shapes. Link really well with [Dominic] Solanke. [Philip] Billing, huge quality. I have a feeling until the end for all clubs every game will be so tough.”