Manchester City's injury problems appear to be clearing, after Pep Guardiola confirmed two more players should be back after the international break and that Ruben Dias could make his debut this weekend at Leeds.
Speaking ahead of City's Premier League trip to Leeds, Guardiola was asked about the missing players in his squad, as well as offering an encouraging update on the fitness of new signing Dias.
City, who were without 12 first team players at the start of the season, have been given a boost by the return of Ilkay Gundogan to training after his period of isolation following a positive Covid-19 test.
"Today was his first day back with the rest of us," Guardiola said. "Still no training after the days of isolation, in the international break he’ll train with the rest of the players who are here."
Gundogan has been left out of the Germany squad for the upcoming international fixtures so will get the opportunity to build his fitness up, even if it is unlikely he will feature at Leeds. Similarly, Joao Cancelo has been named in the Portugal squad for later this month, suggesting he is close to a return.
However, Gabriel Jesus won't travel to Elland Road, as Guardiola confirmed the striker is not ready to return this weekend but is nearing a return to training.
He explained: "Hopefully after the international break he will be ready. Every season he is a better player than the season before, this is a good point,a striker it’s so difficult the way they move into spaces, he has to improve in the finishing in the last part of the 18-yard box, to be quicker, sharper, it’s the most difficult position on the pitch.
"But he’s young and he has a desire to improve, we are delighted to have him here and I have the feeling every year he’s better than the year before."
Finally, Guardiola wouldn't be drawn on whether new record signing Dias could play, but confirmed the centre-back has settled in well at City and will have three training sessions under his belt before Saturday.
"He trained two sessions, he’s done good, he’s part of the team right now," explained Guardiola.
"We’ve got training this afternoon and then we’ll decide."
