Premier League: Manchester City handed huge injury boost ahead of Liverpool showdown

Pep Guardiola confirmed that key defenders Ruben Dias and John Stones are both nearing a return to the team.

Dias, usually a rock at the back for the Etihad club, has been out for a month with a thigh injury. However, he returned to the squad for the midweek cup win against Newcastle and has been training fully since Monday.

Guardiola is hopeful he can play some part on Sunday, saying, "He is back, and that is great news for us."

Meanwhile, England international John Stones has also taken a step forward in his rehabilitation. Stones has not featured for City since early December, marking another frustrating spell on the sidelines for the versatile defender.

His absence, combined with Dias' injury, prompted City to sign Marc Guehi in the winter transfer window to provide much-needed depth in central defence.

Guardiola provided an update on Stones' progress, noting, "John yesterday made the first training session with the team so he is step by step coming back."

It’s not all good news, though. Captain Bernardo Silva is a major doubt after picking up a back injury. City will assess him one last time before the game.

City could be nine points behind Arsenal when they kick off at Anfield - a ground where Guardiola has only enjoyed one victory during his 10 years at the Etihad.

Premier League leaders Arsenal play at home to Sunderland on Saturday and so can stretch their six-point lead.