Pep Guardiola says John Stones is not close to a return ahead of the home clash with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
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City take on Forest in a 19:30 (UK) kick-off at the Etihad with the Blues looking to bounce back from seven games without a win.
Stones returned to the team for the home Premier League game with Tottenham after missing out on games against Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon and Brighton but the centre-half had to be withdrawn at half-time against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
He then sat out the UEFA Champions League draw with Feyenoord and the top-flight trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Guardiola insists his No.5 is not ready.
“Not close no,” on the potential of a return for the six-time Premier League winner.
“Still he is injured. He has a problem with his feet.
“I don’t know but not for the next week.”
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Guardiola also spoke positively on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne.
KDB’s appearances have been sporadic so far this season, with the classy attacking midfielder struggling to shake off an injury after coming off at half-time in our goalless draw with Inter Milan in the first game of this UEFA Champions League campaign.
He had started the season strongly, helping Pep Guardiola’s men to Community Shield success as well as Premier League victories over Chelsea, Ipswich, West Ham and Brentford before being forced off in that UCL opener.
That kept him out for almost two months before coming back into the fold last month.
He’s had substitute appearances against Sporting Lisbon, Brighton, Tottenham, Feyenoord and Liverpool ahead of this week’s clash with Nottingham Forest as the Blues look to get back on track following a difficult run of results.
And the manager added: “He is closer and even better in the last few days, he’s even better.”