Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Stefan Ortega Moreno could be available for the home game against Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola says all three are back in training, handing the City boss a major defensive boost as the Club challenge for the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

Stones has been absent with a hamstring problem sustained in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal a month ago.

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Laporte was ill for the trip to RB Leipzig 10 days ago, and also missed the trips to Bournemouth and Bristol City.

Ortega Moreno took a knock on his hand in the FA Cup tie with Bristol City and was forced to some off at half-time but is also back in training.

“They (have) trained, and they feel better – much better.”

Guardiola is expecting a difficult test for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

The Magpies sit in fifth spot in the Premier League having lost just two of their 23 games this season.

They also have the meanest defence in the country, conceding just 15 goals to date.

“From what I’ve seen lately, even the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, they are one of the toughest opponents we have until the end of the season,” said Pep.

“In terms of experience, threat, transitions, and set-pieces they are the best team in the league.

“Many, many things. That’s why they’ve been there all season.

“It happened last season and this season, they made a step forward.

“It looks like they came to stay here.”