Tottenham vs Manchester City: Pep Guardiola has no fears over Kevin De Bruyne despite Wembley pitch concerns

De Bruyne is expecting a 'difficult' experience at Wembley
AFP/Getty Images

Kevin De Bruyne is set to start against Tottenham, despite Pep Guardiola’s concerns about the state of the Wembley pitch.

Manchester City take on Spurs on Monday night – 24 hours after the NFL clash between Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite worries about what condition the playing surface will be left in Guardiola is adamant it will have no bearing on his decision to play De Bruyne, who is just two games into his comeback from knee ligament injury.

“When they are fit, they are fit,” said the City manager. “Normally injuries happen when you’re not 100 per cent focused.

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“We have full focus on what we have to do to avoid injuries. When you take care properly and focus, knowing that the pitch may not be in the best question, you have to be ready.

“We are going to take a decision which is the best line up and we are going to see.

“It is what it is. I’m pretty sure Tottenham have a good greenkeeper. There’s no point complaining, we have to adapt.”

Monday’s match was rearranged due to delays in completing Spurs’ new stadium.

Guardiola claims the costs of the new White Hart Lane also impacted on Mauricio Pochettino’s spending in the summer – but he insists Spurs remain among the title contenders.

Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I

“I don’t have doubt about that,” said the Catalan. “Just two points difference, they are so strong.

“The line-up 11, 12, 13 players from Tottenham, for the last five or six years they are always there.

"They cannot invest in players because of their incredible stadium - it’s a lot of money. It’s a top side.

“They are one of the teams I like to watch the most. I learn.

"A lot of international players, an English base - they’ve got a young team, good keeper and good strikers. They have everything to be there.”

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