Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola offered a positive update on John Stones ahead of the Premier League trip to Tottenham.
It was initially feared the centre back could require surgery and miss the rest of the season but he does not need to go under the knife and could return in late April or early May.
While that is a boost for City, Guardiola still has a fitness concern around Erling Haaland while several other players remain sidelined. Here's the injury latest and return dates.
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Erling Haaland
Injury: knee
Haaland missed the weekend defeat to Liverpool having been a unused sub in the midweek loss at Real Madrid. Boss Pep Guardiola doesn't yet know whether the striker will be fit for tonight.
Speaking ahead of the game yesterday, he said: "Tonight we will know after training. I hope (he will be fit) but I don't know yet. He feels better but the last two games he could not play. We'll see."
Possible return date: February 26 (Tottenham A).
John Stones
Injury: thigh
Stones was forced off after just eight minutes against Madrid and it was feared he could require surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season. But Guardiola offered a positive update on the centre back on Tuesday that means he could return before the campaign is out.
Possible return date: April/May.
Manuel Akanji
Injury: muscle
Akanji faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his adductor muscle in the 3-2 defeat to Madrid at the Etihad Stadium He was forced off at half-time and Guardiola anticipates he may be out for more than two months.
He said earlier this month: "Surgery on Saturday (last weekend). Eight to ten weeks out. His adductor is broken. We wish the best recovery for Manu because the effort he has done this season has been unbelievable."
Possible return date: late April.
Rodri
Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Rodri is a long-term absentee, last appearing when City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on September 22. He has been working hard on his recovery in recent months and has been spotted mixing with the first-team squad on the training pitches.
The Spaniard is not expected to play again this season, but it is possible he features in City's Club World Cup campaign in the United States in the summer.
Issuing an update on his ongoing recovery recently, Rodri said: "Well, I always say, it's part of life. Injuries, athletes are used to these kind of things. But I'm a very positive guy in the sense that I take it what it is. I always thank God for everything and in these kind of moments try and be positive. And maybe do other stuff that I'm not used to doing, like coming here, spending more time with your family and why not try to improve other parts of your body, work on that and come back stronger."
Possible return date: June.
Oscar Bobb
Injury: broken leg
Bobb has not featured in any capacity for City so far this season after breaking a bone in his leg during a training session in pre-season. He has suffered a couple of minor setbacks since his initial return but is now training again.
"He feels really good, much better than when he came back [the first time]," said Guardiola on Tuesday. "He had a problem in the [ankle] disturbing him, he could not run properly. Come back, stop, come back, stop. The doctors decide wisely to stop until you feel little discomfort in the ankle. Then you can train.
"I think he will be back soon for the last part (of the season). But I said that a month ago and still is not here. Hopefully this time can happen."
Possible return date: unknown.
