Pep Guardiola Says David Silva May Miss More Games Due to Personal Reasons
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said midfielder David Silva may head home to Spain again before the end of the campaign despite his recent return to first-team action.
The playmaker was back in the XI on Wednesday in City's 3-1 win over Watford in the Premier League; he had previously missed the festive fixtures against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace due to personal reasons, as well as the 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
As relayed by Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, Guardiola insisted the 31-year-old's family must take priority and as such he may miss more games yet.
"Family is most important," the City manager said. "You can see how essential David is to us, but I don't know how long he will be here. He is free to go [home] again if he needs to. It doesn't matter if we get no points while he is away. Family is most important."
Ladyman wrote in his report that Silva missed games "due to a personal problem believed to be connected to his partner."
As noted by broadcaster Ian Cheeseman, the Spain international was at the hub of the good work done by City early in the game, as they coasted into a quick 2-0 lead:
Silva released Leroy Sane to set up Raheem Sterling's opener inside the opening minute, before he freed Kevin De Bruyne, whose cross was turned into his own net by Christian Kabasele.
The two passes were indications of what Silva can bring to this team at his best. While he doesn't boast the dynamism of players such as De Bruyne, Sterling or Sane, on the ball he is precise and incisive, meaning he is able to unpick the tightest of defences.
It's a trait that has been key to City's success in recent years, with Silva crucial in their two Premier League title wins.
While De Bruyne has been hogging the headlines this season for the incredible standards he has been setting, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe suggested in December that Silva deserves to be in consideration for the PFA Player of the Year award:
The former Valencia man is almost certain to sample silverware, as his City side lead the way at the top of the Premier League by 15 points already.
Silva has contributed five goals and eight assists to the cause, although his influence extends beyond those numbers. The Spaniard controls contests, brings the best out of team-mates and is blossoming as a leader.
Given the incredible service City have had from Silva since his arrival in 2010, it's no surprise the club and fanbase are willing to give him as much time as he needs to resolve any issues away from the field. Having signed a contract extension at the club recently until 2020, there is a lot more to come from him yet.
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