Manchester City's Kyle Walker, John Stones ruled out of Leeds United clash

Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones have been ruled out of Saturday's Premier League encounter away at Leeds United due to injury.

Walker has missed the last four matches across all competitions since landing awkwardly on his ankle against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month.

Stones, meanwhile, was withdrawn in the 36th minute of City's 4-3 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday after aggravating a muscle problem, which he initially sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion a week earlier.

Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's trip to Elland Road, manager Pep Guardiola revealed that both players remain sidelined and he refused to rule out the prospect of Walker missing the rest of the season.

"Yes [Walker is not ready], I don't know right now (if he will be out for the season). I'm not worried at all, he's injured unfortunately for all of us and him especially. I must focus on the rest of the players.

"For tomorrow [Stones is] out and we'll see for Wednesday (against Real Madrid)."

Joao Cancelo is the most likely candidate to start at right-back against Leeds in the absence of both Walker and Stones, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake are set to battle for a place at left-back.

Should Liverpool beat Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, Man City will be looking to return to the top of the Premier League with a victory against Leeds, who were thrashed 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.