Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne could be overlooked for some matches this season.

Manager Pep Guardiola admits that in games when he wants more players to get into the box, De Bruyne may not have a place on the pitch.

The Belgian was dropped against Tottenham in midweek, with Julian Alvarez playing alongside Erling Haaland in that game.

"Seven years we know each other very well. I know when Kevin is ready and sometimes not. It's normal," the manager said.

"There are many games. Sometimes we need another type of player in that position.

“Sometimes we need more players in the boxes and Kevin struggles a bit right there."

He continued: "Kevin, always you expect him to assist the ball - but how many assists does he provide that were not converted, don't count as an assist but really is. It was a good 75 minutes but keep going. Big competition in the squad. Some games need a specific player that Kevin for example struggles a little bit."