Monday 4 December 2017 08:32, UK
Manchester City defender John Stones hopes to return to action after his hamstring problem in time for the busy Christmas period.
The England international was forced off after 31 minutes in the 2-0 win over Leicester at the King Power Stadium on November 18.
City boss Pep Guardiola said Stones would miss "four to six weeks" and the centre-back has revealed he is targeting a comeback around the Christmas period, although he admits he may have to wait until January.
"It's been a long time since I've been out injured - the rehab is going well and hopefully I'll be back soon," Stones told Super Sunday.
"I'd like to be back out there for Christmas but let's see where it goes. I think it might be just after."
Guardiola admitted the injury to Stones was a big blow for City given the 23-year-old's brilliant form this term.
Stones reckons his strong early-season form in the rampaging City side is mostly down to his manager.
"It's been a joy to play in - Pep is very demanding," he said.
"Everyday Pep wants to improve you as a player - I feel like I've done that off the pitch as well being in the surroundings that his staff have created. That's a quality in itself to be able to bring that out of his players.
"You've seen that with me, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling - the performances they're putting in, plus their work-rate, it's great to be around and have him as my coach."
