Pep Guardiola is confident Kevin De Bruyne will be a part of this week’s crucial clash with Tottenham

Manchester City expect Kevin De Bruyne to demonstrate his fitness for Thursday’s clash with Tottenham after an injury scare on Tuesday.

De Bruyne did not train with Pep Guardiola’s squad at City Football Academy ahead of a Premier League game in which they can hardly afford to lose points.

City are eight points behind leaders Arsenal after the derby defeat at the weekend and losing their talisman for Tottenham’s visit would be a huge blow.

Pep Guardiola is confident Kevin De Bruyne will play for Manchester City against Tottenham

But Guardiola is confident De Bruyne will be ready to play a role, while City have also received welcome news in defence.

John Stones and Ruben Dias have both trained this week after fitness concerns and offer more options at the back.

Dias has not played since suffering a hamstring injury during the World Cup, while Stones missed the trip to Old Trafford. The pair have not started in the Premier League together since September.

Meanwhile, City are expected to start talks with Julian Alvarez’s representatives over a contract extension at the end of the season. Alvarez impressed at world champions Argentina and has scored eight goals in 23 games for City since joining from River Plate for £14m.

The club are set to start talks with Julian Alvarez’s representatives over a contract extension