Manchester City team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Watford

Manchester City play host to Watford on Saturday evening with the opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to four points.

Pep Guardiola's side have benefited from Liverpool registering several draws over the past five weeks, and City are scheduled to play before the Merseyside giants this weekend.

However, Guardiola has been forced to rotate his players over the past two games due to a number of fitness issues being sustained over a hectic period of matches.

Here, Sports Mole looks at Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their encounter with the Hornets.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Muscular Possible return date: March 9

Aymeric Laporte was substituted at half time of the EFL Cup final, and Guardiola initially said that the Frenchman will remain sidelined until after the international break. However, it has now been claimed that the defender has an 'outside chance' of featuring on Saturday.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Muscle Possible return date: March 30

Fernandinho sustained a muscular injury ahead of extra time in the EFL Cup final, and Guardiola does not expect to have the Brazilian available until the end of March.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: March 12

Kevin De Bruyne sustained a hamstring injury against Bournemouth at the weekend, and Guardiola has suggested that the Belgian may be sidelined for a few games. However, the playmaker has insisted that the problem is 'not too bad'.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Muscle Possible return date: March 12

John Stones suffered a muscle injury during his first game back in the team on Saturday, and Guardiola has confirmed that the England international will not be involved against the Hornets.

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Status: Doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: March 9

Fabian Delph has missed the last four games, but the midfielder returned to training last week and should be ready to return against Watford.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Achilles Possible return date: Unknown

Claudio Bravo is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and may not return until towards the end of the campaign.

Man City have no suspensions ahead of this game.