Man City receive double injury boost as Pep Guardiola explains new Julian Alvarez role

Manchester City received positive injury news on Friday as they prepare for the return of the Premier League this weekend.

Nottingham Forest arrive at the Etihad Stadium after a promising start to the campaign but Pep Guardiola's side have done exceptionally so far to maintain a 100 per cent record. City come into the game full of confidence after beating Crvena Zvezda 3-1 in their opening game of their Champions League defence.

While a new injury to Bernardo Silva put a slight dampener on the result, the Blues have little reason to complain. MEN Sport takes a look at the latest injury news coming out of the club this evening and the Etihad headlines.

READ MORE: City injury news and return dates ahead of Forest

READ MORE: Why are City wasting so many chances

Guardiola finally has some positive injury news to share as two City stars are nearing a return on the eve of the Premier League fixture with Forest.

Bernardo was substituted with an apparent injury in the Champions League win over Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday, with Guardiola saying the Portuguese would be out for the "next games". City were without Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Jack Grealish and long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne, with Guardiola declaring that City are "in trouble" when it comes to their injury list.

On Wednesday, Grealish returned to training, and Guardiola has given optimistic updates on the winger, as well as Kovacic. However, Bernardo will not be available.

Read more here.

Guardiola says injuries to other players have given Julian Alvarez a chance to start regularly for Manchester City and he's taken the opportunity with both hands.

The newly established playmaker has become one of the first names on the City teamsheet this season, says