Aymeric Laporte, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane are all closing in on returns ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola would not confirm if any would be thrust straight back into the action after injury lay-offs – but their imminent comebacks are a major boost for the Premier League champions.
Laporte is ahead of schedule after suffering a hamstring strain against Real Madrid in the Champions League – and now looks set to be available for the second leg against the Spanish giants next week.
He and De Bruyne are back in training after the Belgium playmaker missed Sunday’s derby due to a shoulder injury.
And Sane could be back in City’s squad for the first time this season after recovering from knee ligament damage.
Guardiola said: “Laporte and Kevin were training the last two days.
“Sane is getting better every week. Of course, I’m excited. He’s training, not injured, training, but has a lack of tempo. We are going to decide. He was ready (last week).”
Laporte has been moving without discomfort since his injury, which City’s medics initially fear could keep him out for up to a month.
Manchester City predicted XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling
