Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is confident Kevin de Bruyne can return to action ahead of schedule.

The Belgium international isn't expected to be seen again until the New Year after hamstring surgery.

However, Guardiola has offered an upbeat report on De Bruyne's progress.

"I see him every day, of course, and he is improving, and his mood is good. Hopefully he will be back sooner than expected," said the Spaniard.

De Bruyne suffered the injury on the opening day of the season against Burnley on August 11.