Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the injury status of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne is still recovering from hamstring surgery while Stones and Akanji both picked up injuries during City’s 3-nil win over Young Boys. In Akanji’s case, he was withdrawn from the starting lineup before kickoff and Stones was substituted at half-time.
Speaking before Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea Guardiola provided an update on the status of the injured trio. Pep told the media that Akanji would be available for the Chelsea game. He told the media: “Manu trained today and will travel. He is available for Sunday.” It is a boost for the treble winners to have Akanji back in the squad for the trip to London.
In regards to John Stones the City boss revealed his injury isn’t as bad as first feared saying: “He is injured. He is not ready for tomorrow and we will see after the international break. I don’t know (whether he will be ready) for Liverpool. The doctor says it’s not as bad, but still, I don’t know. When he is going to be fit again, he will be back.”
Pep Guardiola also provided an update on Kevin De Bruyne’s recovery. He told the media: “I spoke with him and he said he feels really good. He’s not training with us yet and I don’t know when he will. I would say he’s in the last phase before he trains with us again.”
Pep added that De Bruyne could return to training with the squad soon adding: “I think (that could be soon), but I don’t know. This kind of injury… it’s better we don’t put pressure on him.”
It was a positive update on the injured trio from Guardiola as City prepare to face Chelsea on Sunday.