PEP: WINS WILL COME WITHOUT SUPER KEV

PEP GUARDIOLA insists his side can cope without Kevin De Bruyne, after the midfielder was ruled out for up to six weeks.

De Bruyne, who had just returned from a two-and-a-half month injury lay-off, suffered ligament damage to his left knee in a challenge with Fulham’s Timothy Fosu-mensah in Thursday’s EFL cup tie.

It means City’s Player of the Year last term and one of their most influential figures will miss next weekend’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.

“We’re a stronger team with Kevin than without him,” said Guardiola, preparing for the visit of Southampton tomorrow.

“But we have to live without him and we have to be there when he comes back. That’s all we can do.”

He pointed to City being able to stay top of the table despite being without the 27-year-old for much of the campaign to date as evidence the team can deal with his latest enforced absence.

The 2-0 win over Fulham, with De Bruyne limping off just before the end, was only his second start this season following ligament damage to his right knee in August.

Guardiola (inset) said: “I was so sad when he was injured, but I didn’t see him after the game.

“The doctor said he was sad – today he was less sad and the next day he’ll be strong again. He’ll spend the time with his new boy and his family.

“Hopefully, after the international break, there will be two or three more games and after that he

will be back.”