Akanji, Stones, De Bruyne, Foden - Man City injury news and return dates vs Fulham

Manchester City have been handed a triple selection boost for their Premier League game against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm), but Pep Guardiola will once again be absent from the dugout.

As reported, Belgium playmaker and City captain Kevin De Bruyne has been ruled out for four months after being forced to undergo surgery to repair a hamstring problem. However, there is more positive news when it comes to John Stones (muscular), Manuel Akanji (knock) and Phil Foden (illness).

In the ongoing absence of manager Guardiola - who is still recovering at home in Catalonia after going under the knife himself - City will be led from their technical area by assistant manager Juanma Lillo. He guided the squad to an important late win over Sheffield United to maintain their 100 per cent start.

Lillo, also, took on media duties during the club's pre-match press conference. Here's our latest round-up from the treatment table as City divert focus to the Fulham game.

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Injury: Knock (unspecified)

Return date: September 2 vs Fulham (H)

Akanji missed the 2-1 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane owing to a knock. Before that, the 28-year-old had started their opening two Premier League matches. His absence was brushed off as a minor situation by Lillo and, all being well, the 51-cap Switzerland defender will be back in contention.

What Lillo has said: "Manu's problem was more prevention. He's more or less there."

The Puma home shirt features the traditional sky blue colour but has slightly darker blue detailed stripes across the front which take inspiration from the Etihad Stadium's walkways. City moved to their new home from Maine Road in