Manchester City superstars Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero both appear set for returns from injury this weekend.
Aguero was hopeful of making himself available for last weekend’s defeat at Chelsea but club doctors ruled he must rest up further after muscle tightening.
De Bruyne has started just two games all season after a couple of knee injuries. The pair have trained this week and Pep Guardiola suggested both could be involved against Everton.
‘Sergio did the last two training sessions,’ Guardiola said. ‘He did it with the team, had no pain and we’ll decide. Kevin is same as Sergio. No pain on Thursday and we’ll see.’
It would serve as a welcome boost for Guardiola, who may be without John Stones after the central defender was taken off as a precaution during the victory over Hoffenheim.
The City manager ruled out any January signings despite niggling injury problems and is wary of Marco Silva’s side and pinpointed Richarlison as Everton’s main threat.
"No, no, no. We are not going to sign anyone," he insisted.
‘Everton have quality up front,’ he added. ‘Richarlison did so well in London and he’s a top player. Fast, right, left, strong in the air and that’s why they paid a lot.
‘At Stamford Bridge they played good. Marco Silva teams are always well organised. We’re going to speak today about how to attack them better.
‘We have to focus on what we have to do. Christmas is here, everyone is in holidays and they have a tendency to enjoy their Christmas time. We have to try to be focused.
gjxdjjkjj
55
I am very happy to see aguero and de bruyne back in the team. I hope David Silva, jhon stones and mendy will return back to the team faster
Perfectbr
48
KDB's performances dipped off quite significantly last year - his unbelievable form in the first part of the 17/18 season wasn't matched after Christmas in my opinion. Having him fit and firing for the tricky Christmas period and then the CL knockouts in the new year will be a big boost.
Oliverkiss
35
What a surprise guardiola working his players to the bone and becoming injury prone.