Manchester City have been handed a fitness boost regarding midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.
Kovacic has missed the last two games since the international break with a thigh injury, but Pep Guardiola has since revealed that the Croatian has returned to full training and could therefore feature in the matchday squad this weekend.
However, Kevin De Bruyne remains out as he continue to recover from hamstring surgery, and Matheus Nunes (muscle) is "maybe days or weeks away" from a return to first-team action according to Guardiola, making him a major doubt for Sunday, while John Stones - who has watched on as an unused substitute in the last two matches since recovering from a muscle problem - is feeling "much better" but is unlikely to start against Spurs.
Guardiola made four changes to his starting lineup for the 3-2 comeback victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday, but he will likely revert to a similar side that played out a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the top flight last weekend, with first-choice goalkeeper Ederson set to replace Stefan Ortega between the sticks.
Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias should retain their places in defence, but Nathan Ake may replace Josko Gvardiol on the left following his impressive showing against Liverpool, while Manuel Akanji could start for the fourth successive game in a hybrid midfield role alongside Rodri.
Phil Foden scored and provided an assist in a standout performance for the Citizens against Leipzig, and the versatile attacker will likely keep his place on the right flank, while Jeremy Doku could replace Jack Grealish on the opposite wing.
After coming off the substitutes' bench to net a late winner in midweek, Julian Alvarez is expected to be recalled to the first XI at the expense of Rico Lewis and should link arms with Bernardo Silva in an advanced midfield role behind goal machine Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 goals in just 13 Premier League games this season, including six in as many matches at the Etihad.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Akanji, Rodri; Foden, Alvarez, Bernardo, Doku; Haaland
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Oliver Thomas
