Boost for City as defender Stones nears game return

JOHN Stones is close to returning for Manchester City after more than two months on the sidelines.

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The England centre-back has not featured since City’s 5-4 victory at Fulham in the Premier League on December 2 because of a thigh injury.

Stones returned to training earlier this month and news of his progress gives City a lift ahead of their return clash with the Cottagers at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

"John is back," said manager Pep Guardiola at a press conference. “He is fit, I would say.”