John Stones and Kyle Walker are back in contention for Manchester City’s final Premier League game of the season, Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
The pair had been expected to miss the remainder of the season with thigh and ankle injuries respectively but have made quicker-than-expected recoveries.
Liverpool and Arsenal given huge boosts ahead of final day to rock Manchester City and Spurs
Both returned to training on Thursday and are in manager Pep Guardiola’s thoughts as he looks to close out a fourth league crown in five seasons.
“We have incredible doctors and physios and they have recovered,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. “They made a partial training and we will see tomorrow. It is good for us to have them back.”
City, who have a one-point lead at the top of the table, head into the clash against Aston Villa knowing victory will be enough to retain the title regardless of second-placed Liverpool’s result against Wolves.
News of the pair’s return is a lift for City after weeks of defensive fitness problems. Ruben Dias remains sidelined while Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho – who has played as a makeshift defender – have also had issues.
The boys are back! 🏴💪#ManCity pic.twitter.com/ahqRlS45i2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2022
Villa head coach Steven Gerrard has the opportunity to do his former club, Liverpool, a huge favour by taking points off City on Sunday.
Guardiola was asked if he would have an extra incentive to win if it would result in a league title for Barcelona, responding (quotes via Manchester Evening News): “We did it, we won two times. In these situations it wasn’t in our hands. Madrid lost a game. Tomorrow it’s nice to have the chance to win at home.
“It’s completely different, we cannot compare. We’re in different positions. Both teams try to win. Sometimes you can’t control. I said to the players it’s just a football game, don’t focus on…
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