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Guardiola reveals De Bruyne vaccine status, gives cranky Sterling update

It was a frustrated Pep Guardiola that faced the media for the first time since the international...



It was a frustrated Pep Guardiola that faced the media for the first time since the international break. 

The Manchester City manager is without Kevin De Bruyne for Sunday's meeting with Everton, and reacted angrily to questions over the future of Raheem Sterling.

De Bruyne tested positive for COVID-19 upon his return from Belgium duty, and must isolate for ten days. He'll also miss the midweek Champions League visit of Paris Saint-Germain to the Etihad.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish will miss this weekend's Premier League game having suffered what England manager Gareth Southgate called a "small injury".

"Jack is getting better after the national team," said Guardiola, "Phil Foden came back with a disturbing knock, a problem with his leg, but is getting better and unfortunately Kevin got positive from Covid in Belgium so he will be isolated for ten days.

Quizzed further about De Bruyne, Guardiola responded, "Two days ago he told me he was positive. I think he's here [in Manchester].

"Forget about the fitness and the momentum. Now he is positive he has to recover well and go with as few symptoms as possible.

"The health of the human being is more important than anything else. So one person tests positive, be careful because still now people are dying about this pandemic situation.

"He was vaccinated so he was more protected.

"Hopefully he will have minor symptoms. The important thing is that he comes back when he is negative, he will start to train with us as soon as possible again and come back but it’s not about any concern about the rhythm or what we are going to miss.

"The person is more important. When someone tests positive we have to be careful and we have to help him and he has to be isolated at home and hopefully it will go well."

But Guardiola was not best-pleased when pressed about the future of Sterling.

The 26-year old is yet to agree a new deal with the Premier League champions, with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023.

Only three of Sterling's nine Premier League appearances this season have come as a starter, fuelling speculation City could cash in on their asset sooner rather than later.

Asked about their Sterling intentions, Guardiola said, "Don’t ask me from now on until the last day of the window about transfers because I’m not going to answer.

"It is not my business and it is not our business - Raheem’s either. Our business is Everton, PSG, West Ham, and the rest.

"I’m not going to answer any questions about what is going to happen in the future because I don't know. And I am not concerned for one second."

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Jack Grealish Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City Pep Guardiola Phil Foden Raheem Sterling