Kevin De Bruyne Reportedly Set to Return from Injury for Man City vs. Burnley

Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will reportedly make his return to action after the international break when the Sky Blues take on Burnley in the Premier League on October 20. 

According to Jonathan Smith of ESPN FC, City opted against risking him for the clash against Liverpool on Sunday, but he has returned to training after a knee ligament injury. 

The 27-year-old was arguably City's most important player last term as he provided 16 assists and scored eight goals in the club's Premier League-winning campaign.

In 2018-19 he has played just 31 minutes for Pep Guardiola's side.

De Bruyne came on as a substitute in City's Premier League opener against Arsenal back in August but then picked up an injury in training that has kept him out ever since. 

In the Belgian's absence, City have still managed to win six of their eight Premier League games and subsequently they sit top of the table, tied on points with Liverpool and Chelsea:

De Bruyne's return could be a huge boost for the Manchester outfit as they head into a busy stretch of the season.

As noted by Smith, he has been left out of the Belgium squad for their upcoming fixtures, so he has another 12 days of recovery time before the Burnley clash.

Guardiola may not necessarily start De Bruyne against the Clarets as City should have enough to pick up all three points without him.

But it will likely be hoped that he can be back to full fitness for crucial meetings with Shakhtar Donetsk and Tottenham Hotspur at the end of October.