Updates On Mateo Kovacic, John Stones And 5 Others

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will be back to full fitness soon.

The Croatian has not played since last season after undergoing an operation on an Achilles injury at the beginning of June. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Napoli, Guardiola said:

“Kova is coming back soon. The squad is really good, now we have a problem already with just 16 players, we need them back, Ait-Nouri, Cherki, John – when everyone is back, we can rotate and team on the bench make a good impact.”

Expected Return Date – Sunday 21st September vs Arsenal (a)

John Stones

The centre-back has a muscular injury which forced him to pull out of international duty earlier this month.

It is only believed to be a minor problem but Guardiola’s comments on Wednesday suggest that Stones won’t be fit to face Napoli.

Expected Return Date – Sunday 21st September vs Arsenal (a)

Marcus Bettinelli

The summer signing from Chelsea has been struggling with a knock in recent weeks but he is said to be closing in on a return to full fitness.

Bettinelli has not made the matchday squad this campaign but he could be targeting a comeback in the Carabao Cup next week.

Expected Return Date – Wednesday 24th September vs Huddersfield Town (a)