Gundogan missing for City but key pair close in on return to action

Premier League leaders Manchester City will be without the in-form Ilkay Gundogan for tonight’s trip to Everton but Pep Guardiola has had more positive news on Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero.

Gundogan has been one of the stars of City’s record-breaking 16-match winning run, and he moved on to 13 goals in all competitions for the club with a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham.

But the Germany international did not finish the match, coming off with a groin injury late on.

Guardiola has downplayed the seriousness of the setback but indicated Gundogan would not feature at Goodison Park.

“He is much better but I don’t think he is available for tomorrow,” Guardiola said.

But fellow midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, out for almost a month with a hamstring issue, has returned to training, while Sergio Aguero – limited by a series of issues since midway through last season

– could feature off the bench after being an unused substitute at the weekend.

“Sergio is one year out injured, so he cannot start from the beginning,” Guardiola said.

“But he is ready to come back. He was on the bench last game and will be again and soon we believe he can start.”

City can move 10 points clear of neighbours United with victory at Goodison Park, but Guardiola insisted there was no sense of invincibility within his squad, saying they were aware things could change again quickly.

“There are still 45 points to play for and a lot of things can happen,” he said.

Ilkay Gundogan.