Pep Guardiola gives Man City injury update on John Stones & Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Forest clash

Pep Guardiola was asked about the fitness levels of John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Injuries and absentees have been a major issue for City this season, with Guardiola insisting on Tuesday that his side would be near their best if he had the majority of his squad available.

Stones has been one of the big losses this season. He has struggled with a recurring foot injury over recent months and has played in just one of the last six. That record will be extended to seven games when Forest head to Etihad.

“No, [Stones is not] close. Still is injured. He had a problem with his feet and don’t know… I would not say for the next week.,” explained Guardiola.

As for De Bruyne, he is continuing his recovery from a pelvis issue and has come off the bench in the last five matches, including Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Asked if the Belgian is close to returning to the starting XI, Guardiola replied: “He's closer and getting better. The last few days is even better.”

At Anfield, the City boss made the shock decision to drop goalkeeper Ederson in place of Stefan Ortega. It was an unusual move, even with Ederson making a huge error in the previous game against Feyenoord, and Guardiola hinted in his pre-match press conference that Ortega might continue between the sticks on Wednesday.

“Eddy is the No.1 and Stefan is the No.2 but maybe Stefan will continue. We will see tomorrow and in the next games. [Ederson reacted] really good. We know each other for eight or nine years.”