Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he is hoping to return to first-team action around the Christmas period.
The 23-year-old has missed City’s last four matches with a hamstring injury and it was initially feared he could be sidelined until the end of January.
However, Stones revealed to Sky Sports on Sunday that he is hopeful of returning just after Christmas to help City close in on the Premier League title.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been out injured – the rehab is going well and hopefully I’ll be back soon,” he said.
“I’d like to be back out there for Christmas but let’s see where it goes. I think it might be just after.”
Without Stones, Guardiola only has Eliaquim Mangala, Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany as options at centre-back.
Given Mangala does not feature in Guardiola’s long-term plans and Kompany’s own injury woes, it leaves City in a vulnerable position ahead of the busy festive period.
Stones has the highest pass success rate in Europe’s top five leagues this season (96.6%).
