Stones and Dias Nearing Return as City Eye Critical Run-In

• Lijnders says Stones and Dias are not facing long layoffs
• Defensive pair missed 4-0 FA Cup win over Liverpool; Chelsea next
• Gvardiol still out as City juggle cups and an outside title push

Injury Latest: Stones and Dias Close to Returns

After Manchester City’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool, it was assistant on media duties Pep Lijnders – with Pep Guardiola banned from the touchline – who delivered a welcome bulletin. John Stones and Ruben Dias are not thought to be long-term concerns as both edge back from knocks.

Stones was listed among the substitutes at the weekend and has been easing his way back after withdrawing from England duty. Dias, meanwhile, has been out since taking a knock around City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on 17 March, and underwent further assessment after feeling the issue late in training. The message from Lijnders was clear: scans are being checked, but neither setback is deemed serious.

With Chelsea visiting on Sunday in the Premier League, City could get a timely lift if one or both are passed fit. For all the plaudits going forward, it’s Stones’ ability to step into midfield and Dias’ leadership in the box that oil City’s machine. If you’re weighing up form like punters scanning the football betting sites UK, the potential return of that duo is a meaningful swing.

What It Means for City’s Run-In

Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined after his setback earlier in the year, so any reinforcement at centre-back is gold dust as the fixtures stack up. City have already banked the Carabao Cup, are pushing on in the FA Cup – with Southampton next – and they still have an outside shot at the league, nine points off Arsenal with eight to play.

The rotation has held up admirably – Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji haven’t put a foot wrong – but adding Stones’ passing angles and Dias’ aerial command nudges City back towards their imposing best. The bottom line? If both are available against Chelsea, Guardiola’s hand is suddenly a lot stronger for a run-in that will punish even minor defensive frailties.

All told, City’s treatment room bulletin is as positive as you could hope for in April: two senior defenders trending the right way, just as the season heads into the pressure cooker.

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