Pep Guardiola delighted with Raheem Sterling’s return to form

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is pleased with the recent form of Raheem Sterling.

England forward Sterling had an indifferent start to the season after losing his spot as a regular starter towards the end of last term.

That led to speculation over the 26-year-old’s future but circumstances have recently allowed him opportunities and Sterling has taken them.

Sterling has scored in three of City’s last four games, including the vital equaliser in Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Paris St Germain.

Manager Guardiola said at a press conference: “I’m so glad for him, he’s helped us for sure. He will fight to be better and better.

“It is important for strikers and wingers to score and make assists. He was decisive in what we’ve done in recent years.

“Scoring goals can give confidence for these type of guys but he has to do better, be aggressive, go one against one, arrive in the final third. This is the first step for him to come back.”

Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne remains unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham at the Etihad Stadium following his positive test for coronavirus last week.

The Belgium international, who has been vaccinated, remains in isolation and Guardiola has revealed the player has experienced symptoms.

Guardiola said: “He’s still tired, no taste – the symptoms of Covid. Now he’s done seven or eight days’ isolation. A few more days and we will give him a PCR test and if it’s negative then he will be back.”