Pep Guardiola has teased John Stones’ potential return from injury as Manchester City face Brighton in the Premier League.
The Stones centre-back is the closest of the three injured absentees to a return and has rejoined full training ahead of Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
“John has been training with us for the last two days,” said Guardiola.
Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) and Kyle Walker (groin) remain out. The manager added: “Kalvin is recovering really well but I haven’t spoken to the doctors about Kyle. Hopefully they will help him.”
The postponed clash with Arsenal, which would have pitted North London’s top two against each other, allowed Guardiola’s men to bounce back from last week’s crushing defeat at Liverpool.
The big questions for Guardiola are therefore tactical after the loss at Anfield.
Manuel Akanji could continue at right-back or Joao Cancelo can take over on the wing, allowing Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake to run on the left side of defence. Alternatively, Sergio Gomez could make his first start in the Premier League.
Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez were unused from the bench for Liverpool and Julian Alvarez was the preferred substitute as City chased an equaliser.
Predicted Manchester City XI:
Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Ake, Gomez; Rodri, Gundogan; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
Predicted Brighton XI:
Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; March, Caicedo, Mac Allister, Trossard; Lallana, Gross; Welbeck
