Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne will take time to be in full swing after injury: Pep Guardiola

Making only his second start of the season, De Bruyne scored a goal and lasted the full 90 minutes to help holders City rout third-tier opponents Wycombe 6-1, but Guardiola said his talismanic midfielder needed a "proper pre-season."

Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is rediscovering his best form following injuries but he will need more time to start regularly despite a solid display in Tuesday's League Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers, manager Pep Guardiola said.

De Bruyne, 30, widely regarded as one of the world's best midfielders, suffered facial injuries in City's Champions League final defeat by Chelsea in May and played in Belgium's Euro 2020 quarter-final loss to Italy with ankle ligament damage.