Thomaz Oseghale
Manchester City has made strides in reducing their injury list as they welcomed back another player to training.
This comes ahead of their crucial Premier League matchup against Aston Villa.
City are currently on a poor run of just one win in their last 11 matches and will look to turn things around in their final game before Christmas.
Last Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United left Pep Guardiola with only three available defenders, but with Rico Lewis returning from suspension, he will add depth to the squad for the Villa Park trip.
John Stones made his return to the matchday squad against United but was unable to play due to a late goal from United.
However, Stones could now be joined by Manuel Akanji, who was seen training on Thursday after recovering from an adductor injury.
This reduces the defensive injury concerns, leaving Nathan Ake as the only player still sidelined in the defensive line.
Guardiola had given the squad some time off after the derby loss, and Akanji’s return provides a boost to the squad as they approach the festive period.
The only remaining short-term injury issues are Ake’s absence and longer-term injuries to Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
Guardiola is expected to give an update on the fitness of his squad later this week.
