Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola provides fitness updates on Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers clash 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided fitness updates on Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake ahead of their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend. The Spaniard mentioned that neither of the two is fit enough to start in the game, as per City Xtra.

Ake and De Bruyne, who have been sidelined with a hamstring and groin injury, respectively, are reportedly in their final phases of recovery. Ake has started training with the team but will need some time before he comes into the starting XI, Guardiola said.

"I don't think so... They are training, they are in the last part. Yesterday, Nathan (Ake) had his first training with the team, so maybe he can travel. But I think to start, he's not ready," Guardiola said when asked about the duo's fitness.

City travel to the Midlands to take on Wolves in an early kickoff on Sunday, October 20. They will hope that the absence of Ake and De Bruyne does not hurt them too much. Wolves, however, will not be too much of a challenge as the 20th-placed team on the league table has already conceded 21 goals this season, compared to City's eight.

Manchester City in tight race with Liverpool & Arsenal in Premier League table

Manchester City are ranked in the second position of the league table with 17 points to their name, closely marking Liverpool, who are first with 18. The two clubs are expected to go toe-to-toe with each other for the Premier League title this season, as they have over the last few years.

Manager Guardiola, known for his astute tactical awareness, will want to pick up all three points against Wolves despite knowing the latter's defensive frailty. City cannot afford to let their guard slip even a bit in this tight race for the Premier League title in which even Arsenal are tempted to throw their hat.

The Gunners are on the same number of points as City and are ranked just one point below them in the standings. The two clubs also have the same goal difference of nine. De Bruyne and Ake's recovery and rehabilitation will play crucial roles for City over the course of a rigorous season.