Gvardiol back in training

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester City star Joško Gvardiol is back in training after four months out with a broken leg, with Pep Guardiola saying yesterday he hopes the defender is ready to “make a good World Cup” with Croatia.

Gvardiol underwent surgery after sustaining a fracture to his right leg in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on January 4.

It left in doubt Gvardiol’s availability for the World Cup starting June 11, but Guardiola said the versatile defender is “feeling good” after being seen taking part in a practice session on Thursday.

“Last season, he was the important player for us when we had many injuries — he played all the games and, in the end, the body says enough is enough,” Guardiola said. “Happy he is back. Hopefully, he can help us in the last part of the season and make a good World Cup with Croatia, and next season we can have him again at his best.”

City play Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, and Guardiola said there was a chance Rodri might be back after a hamstring injury caused the Spain midfielder to miss the last three games, including the costly 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday.

That left second-place City five points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand. Arsenal have three matches remaining and have regained pole position in the title race.

City also play Chelsea in the FA Cup final on May 16.

Today’s EPL matches

6:30 am: Liverpool vs Chelsea

9 a.m: Brighton vs Wolves

9 a.m: Fulham vs Bournemouth

9 a.m: Sunderland vs Man United

11:30 a.m: Man City vs Brentford