Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a hamstring ιnjury during Manchester City’s opening-day victory over Burnley, is motivated to become the “best player in the world” after recovering.

After 23 minutes, the 32-year-old was forced off and needed surgery. The Belgium international is part of Pep Guardiola’s team for the Fifa Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia next week, although it’s unknown if he’s healthy enough to play. His recuperation is going more quickly than expected.

“Everything is going great. It was a serious ιnjury, so I had surgery. However, the new year—his initial return date—is drawing nearer. De Bruyne stated, “I am doing really well and hope to be back on the pitch soon.” “My goal is to excel. It simply never stops [his aspirations]. I want to play for the greatest team in the world and to be their finest player. I continue to be inspired every day.

“Despite my four-month absence, I have endeavored to adapt as a player in order to resume my previous level of performance. I’m sure I’ll be alright once I’m out on the field. All I want to do is keep getting better at football; that will suffice.

In a statement, De Bruyne said that he and Guardiola had “fairly similar mentalities” and “similar ways of thinking about football.” Although we don’t communicate all that much, I have to respect his authority as my boss.

Guardiola downplayed the likelihood of Erling Haaland making an early comeback in Saturday’s Premier League match between City and Crystal Palace. Haaland may also miss the Club World Cup.

Due to an ιnjury that the team has described as a “bоne strеss reaction in his foot,” Haaland has missed City’s last two games. This week, he has been seeing a specialist in Marbella, biomechanics expert John Haddad, who has worked with the striker since 2020 and has been dubbed “The Miracle Man” by Norwegian media.

Haaland arrived back at City’s Etihad Campus training facility on Friday, but it’s likely that the Palace match will come too soon for him. City will travel to Saudi Arabia on Sunday in order to meet the Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds in a semi-final on Tuesday. Next Friday is the final.

When asked if Haaland would play against Palace, Guardiola responded, “I don’t think so, but maybe he surprises me.” He arrived today, Friday, and the physicians will examine him to assess his condition. He received medical care outside of the club.

“Hopefully, he will be able to fly to Saudi Arabia, and we will check to see whether he can participate in the opening or second game, or when we return. Players can heal more slowly or more fast depending on the situation. The doctors advise [taking] things day by day, week by week, depending on how he feels. He’ll play as soon as he is pаin-free.

Palace has defeated City in three of their last five visits, including wins in December 2018 and October 2021, so Guardiola is leery of the threаt that team poses.

The manager declared, “It will undoubtedly be a tough game. It has always been a tough game.” “They dominate games at set pieces with [Joachim] Andersen and the other guys, and their defense is excellent.” Easy games against Roy Hodgson teams are not something I recall.

Guardiola expressed his continued respect for Hodgson, who is still playing well at the age of 76 despite being under pressure because Palace has only won one of their last nine games and the supporters are impatient.

When asked if he would be in the dugout at 76, Guardiola said yes. He remarked, “I don’t think so, but you never know.” It’s great that the fire and passion within you are still present. Without their outstanding performance against Liverpool and 11 against 11, I’m not sure what would have occurred.