Vincent Kompany is back in contention for a starting place after recovering from a leg injury sustained in training and Aleksandar Kolarov also returns after two-week lay-off.
“Kolarov is fit, yeah,” the City boss confirmed.
“I think it must not be easy for Vincent. I understand completely because what happened in the training session was nothing, it was not serious like before.
“It is the last process. Yesterday he trained with us, so he is ready to come back. Since the previous injury it was a month or a month and a half being fit.
“Of course, he didn’t play because of my decision - but he was fit.
“Hopefully that happens in the last two, three months of the season.”
The game against Sunderland is a repeat of Guardiola’s first-ever competitive match in charge of City.
SPOT ON: Sergio Aguero scores from the penalty spot against Sunderland back in August
The Blues beat David Moyes’ side 2-1 on the opening day of the season, with a late Paddy McNair own goal handing the Catalan a winning start to life in the Etihad dugout.
Guardiola believes his players are in good form – but says Sunderland’s results against other top teams suggests they should not be taken lightly.
“During the season, we have had some good moments, some not so good,” he said. “We are in a good moment now but we have to repeat it in every single game again and again.
“It’s far away from the first game in the Premier League. New game. Tottenham and Liverpool were not able to win in Sunderland.
“Every game will be a final, not just for the title contenders, for the teams playing for Champions League qualification, Europa League, relegation.
“Every game will be tough until the end of the season.”
