Manchester City defender John Stones is contention to return for Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, but Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker and Ederson will miss out.
Stones and Walker missed the draw with Arsenal after picking up injuries while on England duty during last month’s international break. Ederson, meanwhile, has been sidelined since sustaining a thigh injury against Liverpool earlier in March.
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“John maybe (can be available),” Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday when asked about the trio. “The other two, no chance.”
Ake was forced off after 27 minutes on Sunday and was replaced by Rico Lewis. Guardiola was unable give a timescale on his return.
“He is injured,” the City manager added. “Hopefully he will be back soon. I don’t know exactly the timing. For sure the next games he will not be ready.”
The Premier League run-in
Walker was forced off after 20 minutes during England’s defeat to Brazil and subsequently withdrew from Gareth Southgate’s squad as a precaution, returning to City to be assessed.
Stones, 29, had to be withdrawn 10 minutes into England’s international friendly against Belgium three days later, with Southgate later indicating the defender had suffered a hip problem.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol came into the side in the pair’s absence for Sunday’s Premier League fixture at the Etihad, while Stefan Ortega deputised for Ederson, as City were held to a 0-0 draw.
Stones missed the first seven games of the campaign with a hip injury, and has made 22 appearances in all competitions for City this season.
Walker has featured 38 times in all competitions for City this campaign, while Ake has made 37 appearances.
City can move level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool with victory over Villa on Wednesday. Villa won December’s reverse fixture 1-0.
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