men’s team
Stones was absent from the squad that traveled to Real Madrid in midweek for our UEFA Champions League clash and also missed last week’s Premier League win over Sunderland.
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Rodri, meanwhile, has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury in October.
However, speaking to the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Touré, who stood in for coach Pep Guardiola, who was absent due to a personal matter, said the Blues would finalize their squad selection in training on Saturday.
“The players are free today. Tomorrow, when everyone returns, we will know more about the players,” Touré said.
“It was John’s thigh. That’s the problem. I’m sure it wasn’t anything too big and I think he’ll be back soon.
“Rodri is training well and his rehabilitation is going well.
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“It looks increasingly clearer.
“We probably won’t see him over the weekend, but he’s going through the process.”
men’s team
Touré also confirmed that Sunday would be the last match in which Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri will be available before leaving to take part in the African Cup of Nations with Egypt and Algeria respectively.
Meanwhile, ahead of Sunday’s clash, Touré said City were expecting one of the most demanding games of the season.
Palace have become one of the most respected and consistent teams in the Premier League over the last year.
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The Eagles beat City 1-0 at Wembley in May to lift the FA Cup and claim their first major silverware.
And Oliver Glasner’s side followed up that impressive feat by also claiming the Community Shield after beating Liverpool in August’s pre-season final.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s highly anticipated match, Palace find themselves in fourth position in the standings, two places and five points behind the Blues.
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Palace warmed up for the clash with a 3-0 win over Irish side Shelbourne on Thursday night in their latest Europa Conference League tie.
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And for his part, Touré says City are prepared for the toughest possible challenge in south London.
“They are a top team and a really good team, fourth,” Touré added.
“It is difficult to score against them and they are the second best in conceding goals.
“But we focus on what we can do. If we play our football and work hard, (we feel like) we can beat any team in this league.”