Kevin de Bruyne admits Manchester City have missed Fernandinho as the Brazil midfielder prepares to make his return from suspension against West Ham.
Fernandinho was sent off in the 2-1 home victory against Burnley on January 2, his third red card in six games, and subsequently picked up a four-game ban.
During that time City have made it safely past West Ham and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup but they have lost valuable ground in the Premier League title race.
A 4-0 defeat to Everton - Pep Guardiola's heaviest defeat as a manager - and the 2-2 draw against Tottenham leaves City 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.