Man City vs Napoli injury news latest as Mateo Kovacic update given and John Stones returns

All the latest Manchester City news as Pep Guardiola gears up for this evening's clash against Napoli

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City take on Napoli on Thursday(Image: Photo by Ciro De Luca/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has been given a major boost ahead of this evening's clash against Napoli. Manchester City will host Antonio Conte's side at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night as the new Champions League campaign gets underway.

Man City enjoyed a 3-0 win over Manchester United at the weekend, while the Italian champions cruised to a 3-1 victory against Fiorentina. The highly anticipated match marks the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli on a free transfer in the summer.

The 34-year-old midfielder has hit the ground running in the Serie A, scoring two goals in three games. When asked about De Bruyne's homecoming, Guardiola told reporters: "Of course it’s nice for him to come back. [I’m excited] to see him after the game.

"Not surprised [on his start in Italy]. He plays at that level, absolutely quick - the players at that level don’t need to adapt. [What does he give to Napoli?] His incredible talent, vision, pass, assists and goals in the final third. He’s unique."

While Napoli will be determined to extend their unbeaten start to the season, Guardiola looks set to welcome back a big name from the treatment room. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News has rounded up all the latest City injury news.

John Stones

Stones had started each of City's opening three Premier League games of the season, but he was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to 'minor muscle issues.' The 31-year-old defender returned to full training on Wednesday.

What Guardiola has said: Speaking on Sunday ahead of the United clash, Guardiola said: "John Stones as well is a doubt.

"(It's) not a big issue, but he’s a doubt for Sunday."

Expected return date: Napoli (H) – Champions League – September 18, 2025.

Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic underwent surgery on an Achilles injury back in June. The 31-year-old midfielder missed the defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at the end of last season, and he's been out of action ever since.

What Guardiola has 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, [Rayan] Ait-Nouri, [Rayan] Cherki, John [Stones] – when everyone is back, we can rotate and team on the bench make a good impact. The fatigue will come soon, so we need to make everyone involved."

Expected return date: October.

Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri appeared to suffer an ankle injury in the early stages of his home debut against Tottenham Hotspur. The 24-year-old defender didn't report for international duty earlier this month, and he missed the Manchester Derby.

What Guardiola has said: N/A.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Rayan Cherki

Cherki is currently nursing a thigh injury. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been ruled out until late October.

What Guardiola has said: "He’s out for two months. Seven or eight weeks."

Expected return date: Bournemouth (H) – Premier League – November 1, 2025.

Omar Marmoush

Marmoush suffered a knee ligament injury while on international duty earlier this month. The 26-year-old forward was forced off during Egypt's goalless draw with Burkina Faso, and he was pictured wearing a knee brace and using crutches after the game.

He was ruled out of the Manchester Derby following initial results on a scan. Guardiola later indicated that Marmoush will be on the sidelines until the start of October.

What Guardiola has said: "A few weeks, I think, before the next international break, he will be ready."

Expected return date: Brentford (A) – Premier League – October 5, 2025.

Napoli injury state of play

As for Napoli's injury situation, they are set to be without Romelu Lukaku (hamstring) with the former Chelsea and United striker out for potentially five months.

"We spoke yesterday, his recovery is going well and is within the expected timeframe," Napoli's Dr. Raffaele Canonico said on local radio earlier this month.

"We must clarify that Romelu suffered a very serious tear of the rectus femoris muscle, which also damaged one of the insertion tendons. "We had two options: conservative treatment and surgery. The player chose the former, considering that the recovery time is almost the same."

Meanwhile, Amir Rrahmani is out injured with a "low-grade injury to the femoral biceps of his right thigh" and missed the game against Fiorentina last time out.