Manchester City are hoping that John Stones has avoided another lengthy lay-off through injury following a fresh problem sustained in the 1-3 victory over Everton.
The England international - who has endured a torrid time so far this season due to various injury problems - was forced into an early withdrawal late in the first-half with Josko Gvardiol coming on in his place.
Manchester City's bench and backroom staff were left incensed by the situation that ultimately led to John Stones' injury, with Everton striker Beto in a clear offside position while the assistant referee kept his flag down until the moment the ball came to a stop through a collision between the centre-back and the forward.
When leaving Goodison Park on Wednesday night, after Manchester City's impressive comeback victory over The Toffees, Stones was spotted wearing a protective boot around the problem ankle in a worrying sign for those concerned with the Premier League champions.
However, an initial report into the problem has indicated towards a lesser lay-off than perhaps first feared, with the defender expected to undergo further testing in the coming days as Manchester City prepare for their final top-flight clash of the calendar year.
According to the information of MailSport's Jack Gaughan, John Stones is set for more tests on the ankle injury sustained at Everton on Wednesday night, but Manchester City hope the central defender will avoid a lengthy lay-off.
It is explained that while Manchester City are yet to 'ascertain the full picture' of the 29-year-old's latest setback, 'initial suggestions' are that he will miss 'weeks' rather than 'months', despite a worrying verdict in the aftermath of the Goodison Park contest.
Speaking to the media after the game, Pep Guardiola revealed that the initial feeling around John Stones' injury is that it "doesn't look good", however Manchester City were yet to gauge an accurate understanding of the severity at the time.
The Manchester City manager added, "Sometimes you have seasons like that," when further pressed on the campaign seen by Stones so far. "Hopefully the damage isn't big and he can come back soon."
Manchester City are also hopeful that January will welcome back a trio of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and attacking midfield icon Kevin De Bruyne - who has been absent since the opening game of the Premier League season.