How Manchester City could line up against West Ham United

England duo John Stones and Jack Grealish were not involved with the Three Lions during the international break due to respective hip and thigh injuries, but they could recover in time to feature in the matchday squad this weekend.

Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic was an unused substitute for both of Croatia's Euro 2024 qualifiers and was not risked due to a muscle issue in his back. The midfielder allegedly needs to undergo an MRI scan to assess the severity of the injury and could be sidelined for at least 10 days, making him a major doubt for the trip to West Ham.

Kevin De Bruyne remains a long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery, while both Nathan Ake and Erling Haaland managed to shake off knocks picked up during the international break and will be available for play at the London Stadium.

Manager Pep Guardiola is expected to return to the dugout after three weeks recuperating from a back operation, and the Man City boss is set to name a similar side to the one that thrashed Fulham 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium in their final game before the international break.

Right-back Kyle Walker could be joined in defence by centre-backs Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji, although Stones will be pushing to start if he is deemed fit to play, while Ake and Josko Gvardiol are set to battle for a place at left-back.

The potential absence of Kovacic could see fellow summer signing Matheus Nunes handed his full debut in midfield alongside Rodri, and Kalvin Phillips also remains an option, while Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and potentially Grealish will all be pushing for a start on the flanks either side of forwards Julian Alvarez and Haaland.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Nunes; Bernardo, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland