Aguero and Stones could face Leicester City but David Silva remains a doubt

Sergio Aguero and John Stones are in line to face Leicester City on Saturday, but David Silva remains a doubt, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Aguero has not played for the Premier League champions since suffering a thigh injury in the 2-1 win over Chelsea on November 23, while Stones was hurt in the 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester United on December 7.

Both players resumed training this week and Guardiola appeared hopeful on Friday that they will be ready for the visit of Leicester to the Etihad Stadium.

Silva, however, still seems to be struggling with a knock he sustained against United.

“Sergio and John Stones have trained,” Guardiola told a news conference. “They have had two sessions. David Silva, no.”

The likely returns of Aguero and Stones come as a boost to City, who go into the game four points behind Leicester in the table and 14 adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola expects a difficult game against Brendan Rodgers’ side but remains confident City can close the gap at the top.

Proof that if you stick at it, eventually you’ll get there! @21LVA slots home against the Foxes.

 @AvaTrade
 #MCILEI #ManCity pic.twitter.com/OHKKYZGGHf

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 20, 2019

“There are a lot of games to play,” he said. “The distance we have now, the teams in front or behind can change in a few weeks, and especially in this period. We have to do what we have to do.

“They [Leicester] have a lot of quality and they play good and control all departments of the game. They are a fantastic team and last season I thought they would be fighting for the top four.”

Rodgers hopes Saturday’s game can serve as a showcase for how strong his side have become, particularly stars such as James Maddison.

“It is the game where the big players and the big personalities can perform and thankfully James has done that throughout the season,” Rodgers said.

“He has got eight goals in 20 games, which for a young midfield player is absolutely brilliant. He has that personality and belief that in the big games he can perform.

“We respect we are playing against a really top-class team that have been the champions the last couple of seasons and play to a fantastic level.

“It is a great opportunity for us to show we are improving and for our players to demonstrate their qualities in such a big game.

“We are mindful of their quality, but I would say it is a great opportunity for us to show our qualities and the talent we have in our team.”