Pep Guardiola receives boost as key Man City star returns to training ahead of Tottenham clash

Pep Guardiola has received a huge fitness boost, with John Stones returning to training.

Manchester City are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi during the Premier League’s mid-season break. The Blues jetted out last Thursday and will return this week ahead of Friday’s FA Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Stones has been spotted with the first-team group on City’s social media platforms and the defender played a part in team training over the weekend, but was not involved in the whole session.

The 29-year-old has not played for City since the 3-1 win over Everton on 27 December when he injured himself in the latter stages of the first half. Stones was replaced just before the break and was subsequently ruled out of games against Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United.

But his return could prove vital as City approach a busy period of the season, with the trip to Spurs this week followed by games against Burnley, Brentford and Everton, before the Champions League returns in mid-February.

Stones has endured an injury-ravaged campaign and has only managed five Premier League starts. He picked up a hip injury at the beginning of the season and, after returning to the team in October, suffered a recurrence of the problem less than a month later.

The England international came back into the side on 6 December but the fresh injury against Everton forced a third spell on the sidelines. Whether Stones is available to feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains unclear, but his continued recuperation will be a relief for Guardiola, who has previously referencing how important the player is for City. The Catalan also claimed earlier this campaign that his side would be ‘in trouble’ if both Stones and Rodri were missing.

Meanwhile, City fell further behind league leaders Liverpool on Sunday after Jurgen Klopp’s side won 4-0 at Bournemouth. It’s a result that sees second-place City sit five points off top spot, albeit the champions have a game in hand.