Manchester City's Defense Bolstered by Stones' Return as They Aim for Champions League Glory

Manchester City's Defense Bolstered by Stones' Return

Manchester City's defense will be strengthened by the return of John Stones, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed. This comes as they prepare to resume their Champions League campaign against Paris St Germain on Wednesday.

City's recent struggles have seen them drop to 22nd place in the Champions League table with eight points. However, Guardiola remains confident that his side can turn things around with the return of key players like Stones and Ruben Dias.

Stones, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since early November, last played in City's 2-1 league loss at Aston Villa in December. He is now fit and ready to contribute to the team's efforts.

Dias, who had missed five league games with injury, also played the full 90 minutes in their 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town on Sunday. His return further bolsters City's defensive options.

"Ruben is back, John is back, and the people up front, they are coming back as well," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. "Thanks for that, now game by game, let's see what happens."

With two matches remaining in the new league phase, City are looking to climb the table. The top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16, while teams finishing ninth to 24th will compete in two-legged knockout playoffs to secure their spot.

"Step by step the players are coming back and hopefully we can be there in the Premier League and qualify here," Guardiola said. "Today John came back to the team, that is incredibly good news for us."

Both City and PSG have struggled in the Champions League this season, with PSG currently in 25th position on seven points. Guardiola expressed his respect for PSG coach Luis Enrique, who is also a close friend.

"I want from the deepest of my heart a horrible performance from PSG tomorrow, so we can beat them, but it will be 95 minutes and afterwards the relation (with Luis Enrique) will return to how it always has been," he said.

After their trip to France, City will welcome Belgian side Club Brugge on Jan. 29.