Manchester City can of course feel the absence of De Bruyne in the Champions League as well. However it is the truth on one hand that they are still able to stay strong. Things are going well in the English Premier League these days. They are winning their matches one by one and I don't doubt their performance in the Champions League too.
Manchester City squad is full of talented players. Guardiola can find a solution to his absence one way or another here as well.
De Bruyne is one of the most special players in this squad. He has a wonderful relationship with Haaland. I hope we don't see Haaland getting balls less than before without him. For now he is still doing okay at scoring.
De Bruyne, is one of the players that Pep Guardiola relies on in his squad. unfortunately, he suffered an injury that required him to be absent for quite a long time. like it or not Pep will maximize the available resources, fortunately City have a second line-up player whose quality is not far from the first team. the difference is, these young players still need time to become established players.
Now that De Bruyne has entered the age of 32, gradually De Bruyne's position will be replaced by new players who are fresher and fitter. but the impact of De Bruyne's absence was quite pronounced, City's performance was not so fierce. especially since City has been left behind by Gundohan and Mahrez. there is a difference that City shows, even though they still play with high performance. it's just that, the productivity of goals has decreased.
well, because this competition hasn't started yet, let's just see how City goes game by game in their domestic league. but my guess is, City will get tough competition from other competitors. therefore, City must work extra hard because other teams are also ready to compete in the race for trophies this season. both in the domestic league, and the champions league.