Pep Guardiola has promised John Stones his first Premier League start since January in Manchester City’s clash with Newcastle.
The centre-back has only made two starts since the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on January 18 – but both of those came in cup competitions.
City have no fresh injury issues, but Guardiola is eager to manage the fitness of his players during a hectic end to the season.
Stones has been overtaken by Fernandinho and Eric Garcia in City’s pecking order this season and faces an uncertain future at the Etihad.
Guardiola said: “He is going to play.
“Of course, what we want for his future and for ours, is for him to come back and play and to be able to play two, three or four months with no injuries.
“We have Eric, Nico (Otamendi), Aymer (Laporte), Fernandinho. Eric is doing incredibly well.”
Manchester City predicted XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Foden, Jesus, Sterling
