Manchester City could be without nine players for Huddersfield Town FA Cup tie

The Citizens have been boosted by the return to training of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku this week following spells out through injury.

De Bruyne has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury, but he made his long-awaited comeback to the matchday squad last weekend, watching on as an unused substitute for City's 2-0 win over Shefield United in the Premier League.

Both Haaland and Doku returned to first-team training on Wednesday after making progress in their recovery from respective foot and muscle injuries, but manager Pep Guardiola is unsure about their availability for Sunday's cup tie.

Providing an update on all three players at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: "They are ready, they have been with us for the last two or three training sessions. Jeremy feels really good, Kevin as well.

"Kevin was a long time [out] so we have to think about his condition. We have to be patient and exactly give him the right minutes.

"Erling is a little better, it's his bone so we need to be careful, [he's had] two or three sessions and feels good.

"Hopefully [they will be able to play soon but], I don't know for Sunday or for Newcastle, but for the rest they will be ready."

Guardiola has also confirmed that defender John Stones remains sidelined and is yet to return to training after sustaining an ankle injury against former club Everton just over a week ago.

"He's not training with us," said the Catalan boss. "He's getting better but not training with us. I don't know [when he's back]."

In addition, Guardiola has revealed that star midfielder Rodri has travelled to Madrid and will miss Sunday's game as he has suffered a family bereavement, while Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips, Matheus Nunes and Scott Carson have all been affected by illness and have emerged as doubts for the visit of Huddersfield.

"Four players are out. Rodri unfortunately his grandma passed away yesterday. He will not be here," said Guardiola.

"Family issues are most important. Hopefully he will be back soon. Family is most important.

"Bernardo, Scotty, Kalvin and Matheus Nunes, they are suffering."

Despite the significant number of potential absentees, Man City enter Sunday's game in high spirits having won six and drawn one of their last seven games in all competitions.

The reigning FA Cup winners will hope to begin 2024 with a victory against a Huddersfield side who currently sit 21st in the Championship and have lost three of their last four matches.