Pep Guardiola hands fitness update on John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Stefan Ortega ahead of Newcastle United clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has provided an update on John Stones and Aymeric Laporte ahead of his side’s league meeting with Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

The Premier League champions enter the clash five points behind leaders Arsenal, who increased their lead at the top of the table to five points in midweek courtesy of a 4-0 thumping of Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

A brace from Phil Foden and a stunning Kevin De Bruyne finish from distance helped City see off Bristol City in the FA Cup fifth-round on Wednesday evening.

The Blues are seemingly returning to their usual, flowing selves following disappointing draws against Nottingham Forest and RB Leipzig, with triumphs over Bournemouth and Bristol City in the past week.

Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting XI against Bristol City after missing the previous few games due to illness, with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones missing the trip to Ashton Gate.

Stefan Ortega started in goal for City in midweek but was replaced by Ederson in the first-half after sustaining an injury to his hand.

Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola provided a fitness update on his squad as City look to keep up the pressure on Arsenal with three points against Newcastle.

The 52-year-old confirmed that John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Stefan Ortega ‘have trained’ and ‘feel much better’ ahead of Saturday’s lunch-time kick off.

Stones has returned to first-team training this week having spent a month on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in City’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth-round in February.

Laporte has suffered from illness as well recently but could be in line to feature against Eddie Howe’s men, who held City to a thrilling 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park in August.

With Manchester City still in the mix in three competitions, Guardiola will be relieved to have Stones and Laporte back as he looks to keep his players fit and fresh for the league run-in.

The Blues have a week to rest and recover after Saturday’s game, as they make the visit to Crystal Palace next before a crucial Champions League Round of 16 return leg against RB Leipzig.