Manchester City’s defensive injury crisis is clearing, with Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Kyle Walker all in contention to play against Atalanta in the Champions League.
The trio missed Saturday’s win against Crystal Palace, which required Fernandinho and Rodri to be deployed as a makeshift central defensive partnership.
Walker has been out with a virus, while Otamendi suffered a blow on international duty with Argentina.
Stones could start for the first time since suffering a thigh injury against Norwich last month.
City can move a step closer to qualification from the group stages with victory against Atalanta – but Pep Guardiola has told his players they must improve if they are to finally conquer Europe.
“We are able to score goals because last season we scored a lot of goals,” he said.
“This season we are not incredibly strong in the box and that is why we have to improve.
“Tomorrow we have this chance. We need six more points to qualify and tomorrow is an incredible step forward. We will see how we are in February.”
