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Premier League | Gameweek 29
Mar 2, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
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Gabriel Jesus returns to boost Pep Guardiola's options

City remain without Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte though.

Manchester City have more attacking options for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth following the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury.

The Brazil striker has missed City's last three games with a hamstring injury.

His absence placed a heavy workload on Sergio Aguero, who played 283 minutes in the space of a week, including all 120 minutes of the Carabao Cup final.

Sergio Aguero has had a busy week
Sergio Aguero has had a busy week (Martin Rickett/PA)

Manager Pep Guardiola, however, has no concerns about the workload his 25-goal top scorer has faced.

"It's good," said Guardiola. "I've told the players who don't play don't complain, now if they play they can't complain. (But now) Gabriel is back and Raheem (Sterling) can play there too."

Defender John Stones is also available again after a groin problem but the injury news remains mixed for quadruple-chasing City with key pair Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte still sidelined.

Asked when the duo will return, Guardiola said: "I don't know. I think after international break (in late March) for Fernandinho, maybe a few days later for Aymeric. We will see."

Aymeric Laporte is still sidelined for Manchester City
Aymeric Laporte is still sidelined for Manchester City (Nick Potts/PA)

Fabian Delph has also returned to training after the latest in a series of niggles and setbacks but he will not feature at the Vitality Stadium.

Guardiola said: "He was injured last game but today he made the first training session. He is not in the squad but he can play."

City's recent problems, which have also included Nicolas Otamendi's sending off at Schalke last week, have meant captain Vincent Kompany being pressed into action more than ideal after his own injury issues.

Guardiola said: "It's not easy. That is incredible. He is the only guy I've met in my career who doesn't train for two months then after one-and-half-sessions can play 90 minutes at a high level.

Vincent Kompany has made his comeback from his latest injury
Vincent Kompany has made his comeback from his latest injury (Martin Rickett/PA)

"I've never seen it before, you always need time, but he knows his body perfectly. It was a risk but it is what it is."

Saturday's game will give City, who trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by a point, the chance to return to top spot ahead of the Reds' derby at Everton on Sunday.

Guardiola said: "We are in a position with 30 points to play for, 10 games left, one point behind Liverpool.

"Many things are going to happen. Let's not think if we win it's perfect, if we lose it is going to be a disaster.

"The Champions League is around the corner, we have the cup, many games. Let's just focus on the players recovering well."

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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe pictured on February 23, 2019
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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