Pep Guardiola’s defensive concerns are easing with John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi available to start Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa.
But Rodri is expected to be sidelined after damaging his hamstring in Tuesday’s Champions League win against Atalanta.
Aleks Zinchenko is another concern for the Premier League champions, who are assessing the left back’s knee injury ahead of Saturday’s game.
The return of Stones and Otamendi as a partnership following back-to-back games when City deployed Fernandinho and Rodri as a makeshift defence will give Guardiola’s side more of a settled look.
Fernandinho is likely to resume his established role at the base of midfield, while Benjamin Mendy is expected to start at left back.
Guardiola rested David Silva and Bernardo Silva against Atalanta, which could mean both come back in for the visit of Villa.
Guardiola also has a decision to make over who leads his attack.
Gabriel Jesus has been in impressive form with four goals in his last six appearances - but Sergio Aguero scored twice in the 5-1 win against Atalanta.
City have the chance to move within three points of leaders Liverpool who host Tottenham on Sunday.
Possible Man City XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Otamendi, Mendy; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Silva; Bernardo, Aguero, Sterling
