Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided us with updates on the fitness of John Stones, Stefan Ortega and Aymeric Laporte on Friday.
The trio were the only players left unavailable for selection following the conclusion of Tuesday night's FA Cup tie with Bristol City. While Stones and Laporte's absences were more long-term, the Blues' second-choice 'keeper picked up his injury in the first half of the match at Ashton Gate.
With a big game on the horizon against Newcastle United on Saturday, MEN Sport has taken a look at the fitness levels of all three men ahead of the return to the Premier League.
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John Stones
Injury: Hamstring
Last appearance: January 27 vs Arsenal
Expected return date: March 4 vs Newcastle United
What Guardiola has said: Speaking in his press conference on Friday, the Catalan boss confirmed that Stones is doing "much better". This means he should be in contention to face Eddie Howe's side this weekend.
Stefan Ortega
Injury: Hand
Last appearance: February 28 vs Bristol City
Expected return date: March 4 vs Newcastle United
What Guardiola has said: He may have been substituted at half-time on Tuesday night following his injury to his hand but Guardiola confirmed that he returned to training this week. Despite being available to play, it is likely he will take his place on the bench.
Aymeric Laporte
Injury: Illness
Last appearance: February 18 vs Nottingham Forest
Expected return date: March 4 vs Newcastle United
What Guardiola has said: Guardiola confirmed that Laporte is "feeling much better" after recovering from the illness which has kept him out of recent matches. Kevin De Bruyne also suffered from illness around the same time but he recovered marginally quicker to face Bristol City on Tuesday.
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