Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will have an almost fully fit Manchester City squad at his disposal when the Blues take on Brighton on Saturday.
The likes of John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish have seen recent spells on the sidelines but are all in contention to feature against the Seagulls at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri, who missed the last three domestic matches through suspension, will also be available for the 3pm kick-off, with Kevin de Bruyne the only player ruled out by Guardiola.
Manchester City injury news ahead of Brighton clash:
Kevin De Bruyne
The only negative that Manchester City fans could take from the club’s historic UEFA Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June was an injury to star man Kevin de Bruyne.
In Istanbul, the Belgian, who is widely regarded as the best midfielder in the world, was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Prior to the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, the 32-year-old was expected to be eased back into action.
De Bruyne came off the bench in the Community Shield to assist Cole Palmer’s opener and was awarded a starting role in City’s Premier League opener away at Burnley.
But after just 23 minutes, the former Chelsea man picked up another injury.
This partial muscle tear is thought to keep him out until the new year.
Guardiola said in today’s press conference: “All good. No problems. Except Kevin. I don’t know (when he will be back).”
PEP ???? (Injury update) All good. No problems. Except Kevin [De Bruyne]… I don’t know [when he will be back]. pic.twitter.com/1kSZ4uYd7t
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 20, 2023
Manchester City vs Brighton – Premier League Match Preview
John Stones
John Stones also missed the first seven matches of the Premier League season after sustaining a hip injury in training in August.
He was named on the bench for City’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig and made a substitute appearance against Arsenal before the international break.
Stones came off the bench again for England against Australia before finally returning to the starting lineup against Italy.
His early substitution suggests there is still an element of caution around the defender’s fitness.
But Guardiola said: “We were a little bit concerned and spoke with Gareth (Southgate). But thankfully everything was right and he’s ready.”
Like Stones, Rodri’s return will also be a huge boost for City, who have now lost successive league matches for the first time since 2018.
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