Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones are likely to return to action after the international break.

De Bruyne picked up a groin injury in the win at Everton last weekend forcing him to miss our Champions League game at home to Dinamo Zagreb.

And Stones has missed the last seven weeks with a rectus femoris strain

This Sunday’s game at home to Wolves comes too soon for the pair - but the boss is confident both players will be fit and available when our Premier League campaign resumes with a trip to Crystal Palace on 19 October. 

“No, tomorrow Kevin is not in,” he said. “After international break he will be ready. It’s not a big problem

“Hopefully after international break John Stones will be back, too.”

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Meanwhile, Guardiola has moved to allay fears Fernandinho may become burned out playing three games a week.

The Brazilian had a truncated pre-season due to his international involvement and was then eased into the side by the manager.

But with injuries to Stones and Aymeric Laporte, he has been pressed into action at centre-half and has played five matches in the last three weeks. 

Some have questioned whether he can cope with the workload but Guardiola says his record over the past three seasons proves the 34-year-old can handle the demands of multiple competitions.

“He didn’t have many minutes in his legs before these games,” Guardiola said.

“Except the last part of last season, the previous seasons he played every three days. I think he can do it.”