Pep Guardiola gives gloomy Man City injury update for Southampton amid Kevin De Bruyne mystery

Pep Guardiola is not expecting any Manchester City players to return from injury against Southampton and is in the dark about Kevin De Bruyne's problem.

De Bruyne has not played since being taken off in the Champions League game against Inter Milan in September with a thigh issue. While he returned to training last week, Guardiola has said the player still needs to feel 100 per cent fit and as of Friday the manager has no clue when that will be.

It means City will be without six players for the home game against Southampton. On top of De Bruyne, they are missing Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Kyle Walker.

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City will still be heavy favourites against a Southampton side that are struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, although Guardiola backed the stance of manager Russell Martin to stick to his principles. As someone who has refused to compromise on his beliefs at City, Guardiola has praise for the work that has gone into their promotion.

"He will have success. When that happens you always have success," said Guardiola. "If you start to change your ideas or thoughts - it's not about four or five at the back - but if you start to change your thoughts or results the players will notice and know you are not a big believer."