John Stones is not expected to be included in the squad immediately after his injury comeback, as confirmed by Pep Guardiola ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Fulham.
Manchester City aims for their third consecutive victory in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium, riding high on a remarkable comeback win against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, thanks to late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.
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The Blues feel re-energized in the title race. Despite being six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s team remains hopeful of clinching a fifth league title in six seasons.
After a challenging start to 2026 where City dropped points repeatedly in January, recent wins over Newcastle United and Liverpool signal a shift in momentum. Anything less than three points against Fulham will be considered disappointing.
Ruben Dias returned to action against Liverpool, substituting for Abdukodir Khusanov in the second half after the young Uzbek defender suffered a suspected head injury.
During his press conference prior to the Fulham match, Guardiola confirmed that Khusanov is fit to start against Marco Silva’s team, potentially pairing the 21-year-old with either Dias or January signing Marc Guehi in central defense.
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The acquisition of Guehi for £20 million from Crystal Palace has provided Guardiola with more defensive options, especially after facing a personnel crisis when both Dias and Josko Gvardiol were injured during a January draw with Chelsea.
City continues to compete vigorously across all fronts, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 season. With John Stones back in full training last week, Guardiola is eager to have as many reliable players as possible.
This season has been plagued by injuries for Stones, impacting his consistency and position within the squad. The England international is anticipated to depart Manchester City when his contract ends this summer.
Guardiola was asked about the possibility of Stones being fit for the Fulham match. “He’s had three or four training sessions with the team after being out for two and a half months. So it’s step by step,” the City manager remarked on Stones.
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With club executives showing little inclination to extend Stones’ contract, prospects for a renewal seem dim for the six-time Premier League champion, especially given his recent injury struggles. Since joining from Everton in 2016, Stones has been crucial to the club’s achievements under Guardiola.
However, it appears that the Barnsley-born defender may be leaving at the season’s end. With City having strengthened their central defense significantly in the past year, director of football Hugo Viana will be comfortable with the depth available, should this indeed be Stones’ final season in Manchester.