Benjamin Mendy could return for Manchester City against West Ham

Long-term injury absentee Benjamin Mendy could return for Manchester City's clash with West Ham on Wednesday, according to Pep Guardio

The French left-back hasn't played in the Premier League since undergoing knee surgery in November and suffered a setback following his return against Burton in the Carabao Cup last month.

The 24-year-old missed most of last season with another knee injury and his absence has forced City to rotate between a series of makeshift left-backs.

Image:Benjamin Mendy hasn't played in the Premier League since undergoing knee surgery in November

"(He's) better," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"He's been training the last three-four days and the reaction from his knee is good."

"He could be (fit to play). We'll see."

Image:Gabriel Jesus will not be fit in time to face West Ham but should be back in action "soon"

While Mendy is on the verge of returning, Guardiola confirmed that John Stones and Gabriel Jesus, who both missed Sunday's Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea, have not recovered in time to face West Ham.

There was further damage inflicted on City's Premier League title hopes during Sunday's Wembley encounter, with Fernadinho and Aymeric Laporte suffering injuries that could rule them out until after next month's international break.

Image:Fernandinho was forced off injured during the Carabao Cup final on Sunday

"We were without John and Gabriel and they are still out and now with Dinho and Ayme," Guardiola said.

"I don't know (how long they'll be out for), not really exactly.

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