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Manchester City could be without John Stones for the Champions League tie at Real Madrid.
Manchester City swept aside Sunderland 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to cut the gap to Arsenal to two points at the top of the Premier League table. First half goals from Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol set City on their way before Phil Foden headed home a third thanks to a majestic Rayan Cherki assist to seal the victory.
With Arsenal having lost in the last minute at Aston Villa in the lunchtime kick-off, the victory over the Black Cats ensured City keep the pressure on the Gunners. Both sides have Champions League matches in midweek with City in Spain to face Real Madrid.
The Blues were beaten by Bayer Leverkusen in their last European outing and will be hoping for a positive result against Xabi Alonso's side as they seek to make the top eight and avoid a play-off round. But Pep Guardiola's side could be without John Stones after the defender missed the win over Sunderland with an injury. Here's the latest from the Etihad treatment table.
Rodri
Injury: Hamstring
Rodri remains sidelined and Guardiola and City are working to ensure the midfielder is not rushed back into contention after a series of setbacks since returning from a lengthy ACL injury. The 29-year-old is still a few weeks away from being able to come into contention for a first team spot.
"It was a muscular injury against Brentford, in a high-tendon muscular hamstring area. And he's a bit more careful," said Guardiola. "And that will happen. Previous ones, when he stepped back, we had to be more cautious and have no more prevention but make sure it is safe.
"So it's simple. But it's not a step back. So the process of recovery is doing well. He start to make training sessions on the pitch already. So hopefully in a few weeks, it can start."
Potential return date: December/January 2026
Mateo Kovacic
Injury: Ankle
Kovacic is not expected to return for a few months with the Croatia international sidelined with an ankle issue having missed the start of the campaign having undergone Achilles surgery in the summer.
Guardiola explained: "He will be out for a while. He still has a problem with the ankle, a little calcification still there. We'll wait on him for the last part of the season."
Potential return date: February 2026
John Stones
Injury: Unknown
The defender was not in the squad for the win over Sunderland and Guardiola confirmed after the game that the England international was missing through injury. No specifics were given and the City boss said he 'didn't know' the timescale for a possible return for the 31-year-old but he is a significant doubt for Madrid on Wednesday night.
Potential return date: Unknown
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