The Belgian is back in training after a hamstring injury forced him out of the Champions League final in May, and he hasn’t played since despite returning to the bench for last week’s friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Pep Guardiola is also contending with Nathan Ake’s fitness doubt. The Dutch defender limped out of the recent game against Bayern Munich and was, like De Bruyne, an unused substitute in Seoul.
Josko Gvardiol is unlikely to be available for his debut despite undergoing a medical on Friday.
City boss Guardiola confirmed the Croatian will complete his transfer from RB Leipzig in the “coming days or hours” when speaking to the media at lunchtime.
Julian Alvarez has featured frequently in pre-season and could slot in behind Erling Haaland if De Bruyne is not fit to start.
Mateo Kovacic may make his competitive debut in the midfield.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Doubts: Ake, De Bruyne
Injuries: None
Date and time: 4pm BST, Sunday August 6 2023
Venue: Wembley Stadium
