Overview
- Pep Guardiola said Rodri has recovered from a hamstring issue and may play only a few minutes at the Stadium of Light.
- Jeremy Doku could be involved after a leg/calf injury, though the manager described his availability as uncertain.
- John Stones and Oscar Bobb remain out, with Mateo Kovacic still sidelined and Rayan Ait-Nouri plus Omar Marmoush away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- City face 10 matches in 32 days across four competitions, with Guardiola highlighting limited scope to rotate during the New Year run.
- City are seeking a ninth straight win and sit five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, while Guardiola declined to comment on links to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.