Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken about his side’s title chances and issued an injury update on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku

Manchester City look set to put real pressure on their Premier League title rivals as the club heads into the New Year.

After returning from their triumph at the Club World Cup, City have begun to regain lost ground at the top of the table. Helped by teams dropping points during the hectic festive period, back-to-back league wins over Everton and Sheffield United have seen Pep Guardiola’s side climb to within two points of league leaders Liverpool.

While the situation may appear ominous for other clubs in the title picture, as the Blues begin to find their rhythm, Guardiola has suggested his side still has plenty of work to do. Here is a round-up of your Manchester City evening headlines.

Guardiola rates Manchester City’s title chances

Pep Guardiola insists Liverpool are better than Manchester City because they have more points than the Blues at the halfway stage of the season.

Back-to-back defeats for Arsenal have seen City jump up to third at the Gunners’ expense. Liverpool and Aston Villa both took three points over Christmas to go into the 2024 season with 42 points. However, Liverpool could build a five-point gap over City when they take on Newcastle tonight.

“We’re not top of the league; Liverpool are better,” Guardiola insisted. We’ve had injuries and some problems; we won important titles; our level is really good, I would say, and we are there. Now rest; we all need it. January is less intense than November and December, so we prepare for what’s next.”

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Guardiola gives Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku timelines

City received another huge boost in the win over Sheffield United on Saturday as Kevin De Bruyne returned to the matchday squad for the first time since picking up his hamstring injury against Burnley in the opening game of the season.

The Belgian received a huge welcome from the home crowd as he warmed up on the sidelines for around 20 minutes. However, Guardiola explained that he never intended to bring on De Bruyne at the weekend and also gave an update on Jeremy Doku’s fitness.

“No. He’s almost close, but we ask him to come to the bench to start being in the locker room. It’s been three months [sic], a lot of time, since he’s been out. He’s ready, but he’s close,” Guardiola explained when asked if he considered introducing De Bruyne from the bench.

“Nobody asks me for Jeremy! Just Kevin and Erling!” he joked. “Soon I think he’s back; we have to be careful because he’s explosive, one against one, muscular. For the next few weeks, he will be ready, hopefully.”