Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had good news on two of his centre-backs ahead of their Premier League game at Liverpool
John Stones of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Bayer 04 Leverkusen
John Stones (Image: (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Pep Guardiola has welcomed John Stones back into training with Ruben Dias pushing for a start at Anfield on Sunday for Manchester City. The two defenders have made steps forward this week to increase City's defensive options ahead of a crunch Premier League game.
Dias has not played for City for the last month after suffering an injury in the Premier League draw with Chelsea, while Stones has not been seen since early December. The England international has had another frustrating absence, with Marc Guehi signed in the winter transfer window in part because of their lack of availability for that position.
City's vice-captain Dias, who travelled down with the squad for the game at Tottenham, returned to training on Monday and was back in the squad for the Carabao Cup game with Newcastle. He could be back in the team at Anfield on Sunday with Guardiola craving his leadership at the back.
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Stones has also been back training this week, although City's manager has said previously that the England defender needs time to build up his fitness before he can play in matches. Guardiola is pleased to see him back on the grass and has more 'good news' with Dias further ahead of him in his recovery.
"He's back, we will see if he plays minutes but it is good news for us. John yesterday made the first training session with the team so he is step by step coming back," said Guardiola.
Bernardo Silva, who missed the midweek cup tie, will be assessed ahead of the game with Liverpool but remains a doubt.
City could be nine points behind Arsenal when they kick off at Anfield - a ground where Guardiola has only enjoyed one victory during his 10 years at the Etihad. Premier League leaders Arsenal play at home to Sunderland on Saturday and so can stretch their six-point lead.