KEV’S IN COTTON WOOL FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

MAN CITY v ROTHERHAM

MANCHESTER CITY are taking no chances with Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness as Pep Guardiola plans an assault on the Champions League.

De Bruyne, 27, has made just four starts this season after suffering two serious knee injuries.

And after complaining of muscle soreness following 70 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Leicester on Boxing Day, he was left out of the squad that won at Southampton and was an unused substitute in City’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Thursday night.

De Bruyne could play some part when City meet Rotherham in the FA Cup today and a decision will then be taken on his availability to face Burton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

City’s medics are monitoring the Belgian international (above) on a day-by-day basis and De Bruyne does not expect to hit full fitness for another month after two long lay-offs. Guardiola wants his playmaker in peak condition for City’s last-16 tie with Schalke in the Champions League.

The away leg is in Germany on February 20, with the Etihad return taking place 20 days later.

City emerged from the busy Christmas period trailing Liverpool by four points in their title defence.

And Guardiola said: “I would like to have two months holiday right now.

“The last month was really tough but it is what it is. If you want to be a top, top club you cannot deny any game or drop any competition.

“We have a big enough squad. Kevin is coming back and Ikay Gundogan is coming back.”