The 26-year-old has faced injury difficulties during the past 12 months, but he has played in City’s last two games – our 1-0 win in Olympiakos and Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Burnley – and looked impressive.
Guardiola says Stones’ popularity in the dressing room means everyone in the first-team setup is delighted to see him back in action, with his signature ball-playing quality in evidence in both matches.
“After five seasons together, we know each other incredibly well,” he said.
“John, it depends on him. We know he has incredible skills. It depends on him to maintain this level.
“He has struggled the previous seasons with injuries. John could not always be fit and train regularly for different reasons.
“Since day one this season he played at Wolves without friendly games and he was excellent. Then he got injured, and Ruben [Dias] gave us stability.
“But in the last two games he played good.
“He is a special guy, so sensitive. All staff and players are happy with his performance.”
Watch Guardiola‘s full pre-match press conference via the video above!
We will have full coverage of tomorrow night’s game right here on ManCity.com.
Our Matchday Centre will get under way at 6pm, with text updates throughout the evening meaning you won’t miss a beat.
Our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show starts at 7pm, with Kevin Horlock, Richard Dunne and Shaun Wright-Phillips all joining us in the studio.
And CITY+ subscribers can enjoy full commentary with Ali Mann and Michael Brown, as well as a full 90-minute replay from midnight.
