City first-team assistant coach Kolo Toure has provided an update on the fitness and availability of John Stones and Rodri.
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Stones was absent from the midweek trip to Real Madrid for a Champions League tie and also missed last week’s Premier League win over Sunderland.
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Rodri, meanwhile, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in October.
However, Toure, speaking to the media at Friday’s pre-match press conference, said the Blues would finalize their squad at training on Saturday. Toure is a substitute player in the absence of head coach Guardiola due to personal reasons.
“The players have today off. We will know more about the players tomorrow when everyone comes back,” Toure said.
“It’s John’s thigh. That’s the problem. I’m sure it’s not a big deal and I think he’ll be back soon.
“Rhodri is training well and his recovery is going well.
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“He’s looking sharper and sharper.
“Of course we won’t see him over the weekend, but he’s going through the process.”
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Toure also confirmed that Sunday will be the final match for Omar Mamouche and Rayan Ait Nouri before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt and Algeria respectively.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Toure said City expected to face one of their toughest games of the season.
Over the past year or so, Crystal Palace have become one of the most respected and consistent teams in the Premier League.
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In May, the Eagles beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to lift the FA Cup and claim their first major trophy.
Oliver Glasner’s side then added to their impressive Community Shield run by beating Liverpool in pre-season in August.
Palace sit fourth in the table, two places behind the Blues and five points ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated game.
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Crystal Palace warmed up for the match with a 3-0 win away to Irish side Shelbourne in their latest Europa League match on Thursday night.
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Toure said Manchester City are ready to face the toughest challenge in south London.
“They are a top team, very good and fourth,” Toure added
“It’s difficult to score against them and they have the second-highest goals-against rate.
“But for us we focus on what we can do. If we play good football and work hard we can [feel we] Can beat any team in the league. “