Pep Guardiola has suggested that one of his key Manchester City players could recover from injury to face Aston Villa on Wednesday.
It is imperative for City to beat Unai Emery’s side at all costs as it would not matter if Arsenal and Liverpool drop points if the treble-winners do not do their bit in such games.
The last time Manchester City faced Aston Villa, they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park in a game where they also had absentees.
Rodri was suspended for the clash as the Sky Blues were unsurprisingly dominated in midfield.
Pep Guardiola suggests Manchester City defender John Stones could be fit to face Aston Villa
At the time, the result was seen as an upset but in the context of the Premier League title race, it was not viewed as one that was detrimental to City’s chances of going the distance.
But with the kind of form Arsenal and Liverpool are in, a draw or a loss against Villa would perhaps be a sign of the fact that they lack the consistency to keep pace with their title rivals.
As a result, the upcoming contest at the Etihad Stadium is of utmost importance for the hosts.
The good news for Manchester City is that Pep Guardiola suggested that John Stones could return from injury to play a part against Aston Villa.
“John [Stones], maybe, the other two [Kyle Walker and Ederson], no chance”, Guardiola said [via HaytersTV].
“He has to feel fully, fully fit, right. But the injury was less than we expected at the moment. But for today or maybe next games, he will be ready.”
Considering Pep Guardiola named John Stones on the Manchester City bench against Arsenal, it would be ideal for the Premier League champions if he could start against Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola might play it safe
However, judging by how Pep Guardiola has emphasised the need for John Stones to be fully fit before he is played if he does not think the Manchester City colossus is, he might bench him against Aston Villa.
With City set to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next Tuesday, risking the £47.5 million man’s fitness would be unwise for the clash against the Villains.
Ideally, if Stones can get a runout and some minutes into his legs against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, he might feel fit enough to start in the Spanish capital.
