Toure provides Stones and Rodri fitness update ahead of trip to Crystal Palace | OneFootball

City assistant first team coach Kolo Toure has provided the latest update on the fitness and availability of John Stones and Rodri.

Men's Team

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Stones was absent from the squad that travelled out to Real Madrid in midweek for our UEFA Champions League clash and also missed last week’s Premier League win over Sunderland.

Rodri meanwhile has been absent since sustaining a hamstring injury in October.

However, addressing the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Toure - who was deputising for manager Pep Guardiola who was absent for a personal matter - said the Blues would finalise their squad selection at Saturday’s training session.

“The players are off today. Tomorrow when everyone comes back, we will know more about the players,” said Toure.

“It was John’s thigh. That’s the problem. I’m sure it wasn’t something too big and I think he will be back soon.

“Rodri is training well, and his rehab is going well.

“He is looking sharper and sharper.

“For sure we won’t see him for the weekend but he’s going through the process.”

Men's Team

Analysing Crystal Palace ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash

Toure also confirmed that Sunday would mark the final game where Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri will be available before they depart to take part in African Cup of Nations with Egypt and Algeria respectively.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash meanwhile, Toure said City were anticipating one of the most demanding games of the season yet.

Palace have emerged as one of the most respected and consistent sides in the Premier League over the past year or so.

The Eagles beat City 1-0 at Wembley in May to lift the FA Cup and so claim their first ever major piece of silverware.

And Oliver Glasner’s side then followed that impressive feat up by also claiming the Community Shield after beating Liverpool in August’s pre-season showpiece.

Ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated game, Palace lie in fourth place in the table, two spots and five points behind the Blues.

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Palace warmed up for the clash by recording a 3-0 win away at Irish side Shelbourne on Thursday night in their latest Europa Conference League tie.

And for his part Toure says City are braced for the toughest possible challenge in south London.

“They are a top team and really good, fourth,” Toure added

“Difficult to score against them and they are second best at conceding goals.

“But for us we focus on what we can do. If we play our football and work hard we [feel we] can beat any team in this league.”

City v Brentford tickets available

Tickets for City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Brentford on Wednesday 17 December are now available on general sale.

Having won this competition four times under Pep Guardiola and eight times in total, we have a storied history in the League Cup.

Victories over Huddersfield and Swansea have brought us to the last eight of this year’s competition, where we’ll face Keith Andrews’ side.

With a semi-final place to play for, it’s set to be an exciting night at the Etihad Stadium.

And with prices from £22.50 for adults and £5 for Under-18s, you can get your tickets now!

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