Doku, Stones, Nunes, De Bruyne - Man City injury and suspension news ahead of Aston Villa

Pep Guardiola could be without five Manchester City players for the Premier League match with Aston Villa.

Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is on the mend after picking up a troublesome hamstring injury early in the season, while Rodri and Jack Grealish - against his former club - are unavailable due to suspension. City have doubts over summer signings Matheus Nunes (muscular) and Jeremy Doku (unspecified).

Doku was forced off during the draw against Tottenham and will need to be checked on. In brighter news John Stones is fit enough to start after limited game-time this season owing to a hip problem.

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Centre-back Stones has been an unused substitute for City in the last two Premier League games. Here's our latest round-up from the treatment room with predicted return dates for the injured players;

Injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: December 6 vs Aston Villa (A)

What Guardiola has said: "[We have] Training this afternoon. I will talk with the doctors and see after."

Injury: Hip

Return date: December 6 vs Aston Villa (A)

What Guardiola has said: "He was ready for the last game. He's ready now too."

Injury: Muscular

Possible return date: December 10 vs Luton Town (A)

A statement from the Portugal FA read: "The midfielder is unfit for Portugal's two games. Matheus Nunes was declared clinically unfit for games against Liechtenstein and Iceland after undergoing tests."

Injury: Hamstring

Predicted return date: January 2024

What Guardiola has said: "If he [De Bruyne] said January, it's January. I'd love to have him for more of the season. But if he says, then it's a happy new year for everyone."