Man City vs Everton team & injury news - three returning, one doubt & four ruled out

Pep Guardiola will have an almost full-strength Manchester City squad to choose from when Everton travel to the Etihad this weekend.

Frank Lampard’s men make the short trip across the M62 for a New Year’s clash, with only two City stars definitely ruled out. Ruben Dias is suffering from a hamstring injury, but with Aymeric Laporte, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji all available, it shouldn’t present a problem for the Premier League champions.

Julian Alvarez is the only other guaranteed absentee, with the striker granted additional time off following Argentina’s World Cup triumph. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed the former River Plate man will be back after the Everton game.

The City boss also revealed Kalvin Phillips is in contention to start following recent comments that the midfielder returned back ‘overweight’ after the World Cup. “He is coming back fit,” said Guardiola on Friday. “He is in condition to train at a high level and to play, and after we will decide.”

Everton also have two returnees, with Lampard confirming Calvert-Lewin could be involved at the Etihad following a long injury layoff.  "[Dominic] is in the squad,” Lampard revealed in his pre-match press conference.

“Having Dominic back in the fold is a great thing for us because players who can make a difference at the top end of the pitch like that mean points. It’s as simple as that at times.”

Conor Coady is also available again after being ineligible to play against his parent club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, on Boxing Day. Fellow centre-back Yerry Mina is a doubt however, after he was substituted in the loss to Wolves.

“We will find out about Yerry today. He is training today,” Lampard said on Friday. “He had some cramp in the game against Wolves and a bit more of a sensation around his hamstring - very low level - so he’ll train today and then we’ll make a call.

"We’ve got a few people who are slightly unwell so we’ve got a few checks on that." he added, while James Garner and Andros Townsend are injured and won’t be involved for Everton.

Returning: Phillips (City); Coady, Calvert-Lewin (Everton)

Doubtful: Mina (Everton)

Ruled out: Dias, Alvarez (City); Garner, Townsend (Everton)