Overview
- Pep Guardiola said Rodri has returned to fitness and may play only a few minutes after a hamstring layoff and a bench appearance against Nottingham Forest.
- He added that Jeremy Doku could feature after nearly three weeks out with a leg muscle issue sustained in the Champions League win at the Bernabeu.
- John Stones and Oscar Bobb are not ready to return for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
- Guardiola noted two players are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving City short of options during a congested run of fixtures.
- City visit Sunderland on Thursday seeking a ninth straight win in all competitions while trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by five points.