Pep Guardiola provides fitness update on four Manchester City players ahead of Fulham clash

Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of his Manchester City squad ahead of their Premier League meeting with Fulham on Saturday.

The Premier League champions return to domestic action after claiming a 3-1 win over Sevilla to round off a successful Champions League group-stage run.

Julian Alvarez starred for the Blues as he scored and set up Riyad Mahrez and teenager Rico Lewis, who levelled for Guardiola's men early in the second half.

A sensational free-kick from Kevin De Bruyne made the difference for City in a cagey game against Leicester at the King Power Stadium last week.

Erling Haaland remained out of the matchday squad in midweek after coming off at half time against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League a few weeks ago.

The Norwegian has racked up incredible attacking numbers since his summer switch to the Etihad Stadium and faces a race against time to be involved on Saturday against Fulham.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola revealed he will make a decision on Friday on whether the 22-year-old will feature against Marco Silva's side.

The Manchester City manager said: "He is much better, we will decide today. A good step, he starts training. We see this afternoon. We consider himself, his opinion, the doctor opinion, 90 mins or less minutes, we'll see."

Guardiola went on to confirm that Manuel Akanji is 'okay' while Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker remain out and will not play any part against Fulham.

Joao Cancelo is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday after being given a much deserved rest against Sevilla on Wednesday.

Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva all came on in midweek and should be in line to start when City return to Premier League action.

After suffering their first defeat of the season at Anfield last month, City have picked up three wins in four outings whilst having to make do without Erling Haaland in recent games.

With the Qatar World Cup on the horizon, Guardiola will be keen on avoiding any slip-ups as City look to make it three league title wins on the trot this term.

Julian Alvarez's five-star showing in midweek could hand him a Premier League start as Erling Haaland reaches full fitness.

The Argentina international completed the turnaround for City against Sevilla after being set through on goal by a delicious ball from Kevin De Bruyne.

City remain hot on Arsenal's toes and could go top of the table as Mikel Arteta's men face off against Chelsea in a London derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.