Kevin De Bruyne ‘pleased’ with Man City return as he reveals selection plan for Newcastle

Kevin De Bruyne has said he ‘feels fine’ after returning from injury in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town.

The Manchester City midfielder played his first game in 149 days when he came on for the final 33 minutes of the FA Cup victory at the Etihad, with De Bruyne setting up Jeremy Doku’s goal in the latter stages of the game.

Pep Guardiola has called for caution regarding the 32-year-old’s return to the side, and insisted that he must be eased back into the team after such a long layoff. But if Sunday was the first test, De Bruyne passed it with flying colours.

“I'm very pleased with the way it went,” the Belgian reflected post-match. “I feel good, the movements were good, I felt comfortable in what I was doing. 

“That was the only thing I was really looking for. There will be moments I want to play every game but I know in the back of my mind I need to take care of myself.

“It's good being January where we have fewer games,” he added. “I don't expect to be playing too many games and Newcastle next week is a big game so I'll expect to be back on the bench. 

“If they need me or want to give me minutes that will be the case but then another two weeks before a game so that is a different momentum, so we will see how it is.”

De Bruyne likened his injured hamstring to a 'wet kitchen towel' in an interview during his long recuperation, and City’s no.17 admitted the break may prove beneficial in the long-term.

“When I reflect on my career, playing the last 10 years nonstop with a short break, maybe it was good for me to reset a little bit in a way and take care of myself when it is not really possible during the year,” he said.  “I hoped I could work hard and come back in a good way and I feel that I'm doing that but obviously I need to progress.”

Asked about the standing ovation he received at the Etihad in the Huddersfield win, De Bruyne said: “It was a special moment because obviously they appreciate what I've done for the club. 

“To get that ovation after being away for five months gives you more of a boost to do well and hopefully I can do that and we can enjoy more moments like this. It was really nice for me.”