Pep Guardiola reveals double Manchester City injury boost ahead of Aston Villa clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided a crucial fitness update ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Manchester City travel to Villa Park at risk of being six points behind league leaders Arsenal, after three consecutive draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, stalled the Blues’ Premier League title defence.

Pep Guardiola’s side conceded late on again on Sunday afternoon, falling to a 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium against Tottenham, despite registering 17 attempts.

The Blues boss will be without both Rodri and former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish for Wednesday’s trip to the Midlands, after the pair both received their fifth booking of the season against Spurs.

The Catalan is also sweating on the fitness of summer signing Jeremy Doku, who limped off against Tottenham early into the second-half, with the 21-year-old having a concerning recent injury record.

Doku suffered a number of injuries during his time at Stade Rennais, and could be set to miss Wednesday’s key clash in the Midlands.

Pep Guardiola was unable to confirm whether the Belgium international would feature, stating that that the winger would be “assessed” in first-team training on Tuesday afternoon.

John Stones, who has been an unused substitute in recent matches, including during Sunday’s frustrating draw, is “ready” to play if needed, revealed Guardiola.

The Englishman has seen his campaign plagued by injury to date, making just six appearances for Manchester City since August.

Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined, meanwhile Kalvin Phillips could potentially be set to feature in the absence of Rodri.

Aston Villa, who are unbeaten at home so far this season, are just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League table ahead of Wednesday’s meeting at Villa Park.