UCL: Guardiola gives Man City injury updates ahead of Red Star Belgrade clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that three of his players are very close to returning from injury.

They will, however, not be fit for their Champions League opening game.

City begin their defence of their title against Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad on Tuesday.

Guardiola was hoping that the trio of John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Jack Grealish would be back in time for the game.

The English duo, who were pivotal to the treble win, have been recovering from thigh injuries, while summer signing Kovacic has been on the sidelines with a back issue.

“They are getting better, not for tomorrow. Hopefully Nottingham or next games we need it. We proved ourselves without them, but hopefully they will be back soon because we need the competition. We need Jack to compete with Jeremy [Doku], the feeling to play good to be in the squad,” Guardiola told reporters on Monday.