Manchester City are preparing for a trip to London to take on Tottenham for Sunday’s evening contest.
Spurs will be without Antonio Conte for the foreseeable future after the 53-year-old underwent an emergency operation to remove his gallbladder. Pep Guardiola saw his side come back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to beat Tottenham 4-2 in the reverse fixture only last month.
Afterwards he unfurled a passionate rant about his team’s lack of drive and encouraged supporters to up their game too. He has admitted that this weekend’s fixture will be just as tough for his players, one of whom will not be available for the clash.
READ MORE: Every word from Guardiola press conference
However, there was better news regarding one attacking star.
Phil Foden
Foden was left on the bench for City’s win over Spurs two weeks ago and was left out of the squad for the 3-0 win over Wolves due to an ankle issue. It meant he also sat out the 1-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal but he has been declared fit to feature against their arch-rivals this weekend.
Foden hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in the Premier League since November’s 2-1 loss to Brentford, and that was the only occasion has done so in the competition for nearly four months.
Guardiola: “Ye’s he's available [for Sunday]”
Expected return date: February 5
John Stones
The picture is not so bright for Stones, who pulled up with a thigh injury in the clash with Arsenal last week. He was forced off just before half time and Guardiola suggested it could have been down to tiredness.
Since coming back from a hamstring injury in October, Stones has featured in 16 games. He will play little part in City’s February schedule after being ruled out for up to a month.
Guardiola: “Three weeks, one month [out]. Unfortunately, a lot of games. Managers complain about a lot of games. Comes from World Cup. A few weeks he will be back.”
Expected return date: February 25
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