[](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-injury-news-mateo-kovacic-john-stones/2/)
**Man City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will be back to full fitness soon.**
The Croatian has not played since last season after undergoing an operation on an Achilles injury at the beginning of June. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Napoli, Guardiola said:
“Kova is coming back soon. The squad is really good, now we have a problem already with just 16 players, we need them back, Ait-Nouri, Cherki, John – when everyone is back, we can rotate and team on the bench make a good impact.”
**Expected Return Date – Sunday 21st September vs Arsenal (a)**
John Stones
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The centre-back has a muscular injury which forced him to pull out of international duty earlier this month.
It is only believed to be a minor problem but Guardiola’s comments on Wednesday suggest that Stones won’t be fit to face Napoli.
**Expected Return Date – Sunday 21st September vs Arsenal (a)**
Marcus Bettinelli
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The summer signing from Chelsea has been struggling with a knock in recent weeks but he is said to be closing in on a return to full fitness.
Bettinelli has not made the matchday squad this campaign but he could be targeting a comeback in the Carabao Cup next week.
**Expected Return Date – Wednesday 24th September vs Huddersfield Town (a)**
[](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-injury-news-mateo-kovacic-john-stones/2/)