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David Silva: Manchester City vet says son's premature birth reason for absence

By Alex Butler

Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Midfielder David Silva missed Manchester City's matches against Newcastle and Crystal Palace due to the premature birth of his son.

The Spanish international released a statement about his son Mateo on Wednesday.

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"I want to thank you for the love and good wishes received in the last few weeks, special thanks to my team-mates, the manager and all at the club for understanding my situation," Silva tweeted.

"Also I want to share with you the birth of my son Mateo, who was born extremely preterm and is fighting day by day with the help of the medical team."

Silva, 31, played in City's 3-1 win against Watford Tuesday at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. He signed a new contract with City in November. He has five goals this season.

City manager Pep Guardiola told reporters Tuesday that Gabriel Jesus could miss up to two months with his MCL injury. Kyle Walker will be examined after getting dinged up in Tuesday's win. Kevin De Bruyne played on Tuesday, after he was stretchered off the field during City's 0-0 draw Sunday against Crystal Palace.

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@david21lva back with the boys! 🙌 #mancity #manchestercity #mcfc

A post shared by Manchester City (@mancity) on

"We are very happy David Silva is back with us," Guardiola told reporters, according to the City website. "We don't know how long he will be with us, but you saw again today he essential player for us." 

"David is free to stay or to leave whenever he needs to. It depends." 

"He wants to stay and help us and because he loves to play for City, but family is the most important thing in life. I would never push him. If we drop points because he is not with us, so be it -- family is everything and must come first."

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Silva earned a yellow card in the 24th minute of Tuesday's match due to a rough tackle.

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