Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne are feeling much better but says City will be careful with their return to the team.

De Bruyne was an unused substitute in our victory over Sheffield United as part of the first-team squad for the first time since August following surgery on a hamstring injury.

Doku and Haaland have returned to training but Guardiola says he is not sure if any will be available for the FA Cup third round clash with Huddersfield on Sunday at 14:00 (UK).

“They are ready, the last two or three training sessions with us,” the boss said in his pre-match news conference. “Jeremy feels really good, Kevin as well.

“Kevin was a long time [out] so we have to think about his condition. We have to be patient and exactly give him the right minutes.

“Erling is a little better, his bone so we need to be careful, [he’s had] two or three sessions and feels good.

“Hopefully [they will be able to play soon but], I don’t know for Sunday or for Newcastle, but for the rest they will be ready.”

Guardiola also revealed that his options for the game will be affected by illness with Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips, Matheus Nunes and Scott Carson while Rodrigo has also suffered a family bereavement.

“Four players are out,” he said. “Rodri unfortunately his grandma passed away yesterday. He will not be here.

“Family issues are most important. Hopefully he will be back soon. Family is most important.

Bernardo, Scotty, Kalvin and Matheus Nunes, they are suffering.”

John Stones missed the 2-0 wins over the Blades after being forced off with an injury in the victory over Everton on 27 December.

The defender has yet to return to training with the first team with Guardiola not putting a timeframe on his return.

“He’s not training with us,” he said. “He’s getting better but not training with us. I don’t know [when he’s back].”