Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects Kevin De Bruyne to be out for "some time" and says the midfielder will not be rushed back until he is 100 per cent fit.

City will be without both De Bruyne and defender Kyle Walker for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Sparta Prague.

Guardiola is still unable to put a timeframe on De Bruyne's return after he sustained a groin injury last month, while Walker is out with a knee injury.

The duo join long-term injury absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb in missing the home match against the Czech side.

Guardiola said: "We are well, except as you know Rodri and Oscar. The other ones are training and getting better. Some are not fully fit, like Kevin."

When it was suggested by a reporter that De Bruyne could remain out for "some time" yet, the 53-year-old responded, "Yeah".

Guardiola continued: "It's not a big issue. He doesn't feel completely fine and Kevin is not 22 years old any more. He has to be fit for his football and he has to be completely fit.

"He doesn't feel fully comfortable so he cannot express his incredible potential at his best. He is training a little bit better, but he doesn't feel ready. He said to me he doesn't feel good so I told him to take his time.

"He has to be ready."

De Bruyne was withdrawn at half-time in City's Champions League draw against Inter Milan last month and has not played since.

Guardiola added: "Of course we hope we had a full squad as we are missing four key players but all the clubs around the world have similar issues if you play in three competitions and Europe."