Gary Neville questions Kevin De Bruyne's absence amid dressing room issues
- Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, limiting his playtime.
- Gary Neville raised concerns about his absence from the starting lineup during a crucial match.
- The situation suggests potential underlying issues within the Manchester City team dynamics.
In recent matches, Kevin De Bruyne, a key player for Manchester City, has been notably absent from the starting lineup. This situation became particularly striking during a match against Liverpool on December 1, 2024, where De Bruyne was only utilized as a late substitute in the team's 2-0 defeat. Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender and current pundit, expressed concern over this omission, suggesting that it reflects deeper issues within the Man City dressing room. De Bruyne has had a history of hamstring injuries but is regarded as one of the top players in the Premier League in the past decade. His ongoing absence raises questions about team cohesion and the connection between him and manager Pep Guardiola. Pundits, including Micah Richards, echoed Neville's sentiments and hinted at a possible rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola. The context is further complicated by City's current poor performance, which has seen them on one of the worst runs under Guardiola. Questions also loom over Guardiola's future with the team, especially as he has reportedly been monitoring transfer options for the next windows. The situation serves as a precarious juncture for both player and manager at a time when the championship chase is faltering.