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Manchester City kick off 2026 this evening when they travel to Sunderland's Stadium of Light looking to close the gap on Arsenal
It is New Year's Day and Manchester City are back in Premier League action as they visit Sunderland in the late kick off at the Stadium of Light. The Blues could only watch on in midweek as Arsenal laid down a marker with a comfortable 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
A trip to Sunderland has been one of the trickiest in the Premier League this season with the Black Cats having not lost at home since returning to the top flight. However, now is as good a time as any for the Blues to end that record, considering the hosts are without several first-team stars due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
City are not without their own absentees due to AFCON and have injuries to contend with too. Albeit they were boosted by the return of Rodri to their squad at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
So with all this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest injury news and potential return dates.
Jeremy Doku
Injury: Muscular
There was positive news for City in Pep Guardiola's pre-match press conference as the Blues' manager suggested Doku could be back in the squad for the trip to the north east. The Belgian picked up his injury during the victory over Real Madrid and was a surprise absentee for the clash with Crystal Palace.
However, his return tonight would be a major boost ahead of a very busy January.
Potential return date: New Year's Day vs Sunderland
John Stones
Injury: Thigh
Talk of Stones not being too far away from a return is starting to look more and more untrue as each matchday passes by. The defender has been out with a thigh injury since the beginning of December.
Stones is out of the trip to Sunderland, but perhaps next week could be his time to return.
Potential return date: January 7 vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Hamstring
Bobb was hard done by last month when he was forced off just shy of 20 minutes into the game after feeling something in his hamstring. The Norwegian is not available for the trip to Sunderland and it remains to be seen if he shall return before a move elsewhere is organised for him.
Potential return date: January 2026
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
Kovacic remains the only long-term absentee in the squad. Guardiola was downbeat in November regarding his return date stating it would more than likely be the latter stages of the season when the former Chelsea man returns.
Potential return date: February 2026
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