Early team news: Josko Gvardiol starts as triple absence confirmed ahead of West Ham vs Manchester City (Premier League)

John Stones, Jack Grealish, and Mateo Kovacic are all absent from the travelling Manchester City squad at West Ham this afternoon, it has been confirmed ahead of kick-off at the London Stadium.

Manchester City make the trip to the capital this weekend looking to maintain their flawless start to the new season following the first international break of the campaign.

Last time out it was a clash against Marco Silva’s Fulham that was comfortably dismissed of by the Premier League champions, largely thanks to yet another remarkable hat-trick of goals from Erling Haaland.

The 5-1 victory over the Cottagers accompanied wins over Burnley, Newcastle United, and Sheffield United this season. However, West Ham – who currently sit fourth in the division – will provide a stern test for Pep Guardiola and his players.

Ahead of the release of the confirmed and official starting line-ups at the London Stadium, a number of sources have began releasing snippets of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up, as the Catalan coach returns to full duties with the club following back surgery.

As hinted by Guardiola during his pre-match press conference, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Jack Grealish are all absent from the City squad that has travelled south due to respective injury problems.

In a further development, it has also been confirmed by Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News that Josko Gvardiol starts for Manchester City in the capital.

Two goalkeepers are also featuring among Manchester City’s substitute’s bench, largely due to the ongoing injury situation at the Etihad, as Pep Guardiola is expected not to name a complete reserves list at the London Stadium, according to Jack Gaughan.

David Moyes and Pep Guardiola are expected to confirm their respective West Ham and Manchester City starting line-ups at approximately 14:00 BST on Saturday afternoon.

Now confirmed.