Football
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Manchester City's Pep Guardiola: Kevin De Bruyne's injury 'not serious'

MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has calmed fears Kevin De Bruyne could face a long spell on the sidelines by insisting the midfielder's groin injury is "not serious."

The Belgian missed the 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night and is a doubt for Wolves' visit to the Etihad Stadium but Guardiola is confident he will be fit after the international break.

- Man City ratings: Sterling strong off bench in win over Dinamo

"It's not serious -- today he could not play but we'll see for Sunday," said Guardiola. "Right now I don't know. Maybe he can if we take a risk but I think after the international break he'll be fit."

Without De Bruyne, City were forced to toil against Dinamo Zagreb and had to wait until the 66th minute before substitute Raheem Sterling broke the deadlock. Phil Foden also came off the bench to add a second with his first goal of the season and Guardiola felt the need to apologise to the 19-year-old for making him wait his turn.

"He deserves to play, I want to give him minutes, I'm unfair to him," said Guardiola. "I'm sorry but he has De Bruyne, Silva, Rodri -- I know the best way is for him to play minutes but he's so young.

"I don't know how many players of his age have played so many minutes. He's going to be incredible in the future but it's what it is."

Sterling stole the show with his ninth goal of the season before setting up Foden but afterwards Guardiola reserved special praise for German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who might have given City an early lead had his shot from the edge of the box not come back off the bar.

"You cannot believe how good he is," said Guardiola. "He is an exceptional player. I missed him in our first year here when he was out for six months. One of the best signings this club has made in its history."

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