Pep Guardiola says John Stones is ‘much better’ after his recent lay-off.

The City boss also gave updates on the availability of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, though there are mixed fortunes for our two summer signings.

On Stones, Guardiola suggested the England defender is unlikely to start on Sunday but is very close to full fitness.

 “He is much better, yeah. He’s really close to coming back,” said the boss.

“He’ll be with us; he’ll be there.

Meanwhile, both Kovacic and Nunes have been absent for several weeks with injury.

Guardiola says Kovacic is available again and training, but Nunes faces more time on the sidelines.

“Mateo is already back, I think,” he said.

“He trained well yes, but Matheus is still maybe days or weeks away.”