John Stones has missed Manchester City’s last five Premier League games due to a thigh injury but could return in time to face Aston Villa on Sunday.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury in April’s 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and wasn’t expected back before the end of the season, but Pep Guardiola revealead in Friday’s pre-match press conference that Stones could play.
He said: “We have incredible doctors and physios. (Stones) has trained (Friday). We will see (Saturday). It is good for us to have (him) back.” Stones has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals.
After he picked up the injury, Fernandinho replaced the England international to varying degrees of success, so Guardiola will be desperate to have his centre-back return.
Stones won’t be 100% fit, but he’ll have two training sessions under his belt ahead of the clash with Villa. Guardiola would prefer the 25-year-old at the heart of the defence than Fernandinho.
Man City are top of the Premier League table with 90 points from 37 games, one point clear of second-placed Liverpool. A win over Villa will land City the title, so Stones’ inclusion could be key.
In other news, Man City are eyeing 17 y/o striker with 12 goals in 16 games at youth level