Pep Guardiola confirms John Stones' Manchester City return as he drops James Rodriguez hint

Stones has not played since the beginning of April

James Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from Real this season (Getty)

Pep Guardiola has revealed that John Stones is set to return for Manchester City’s final two games of the season as he talked up the prospect of James Rodriguez swapping Real Madrid for the Premier League.

Stones has been out of action since the start of April with a muscle injury but could make his comeback against West Brom at the Etihad on Tuesday night.

“John has come back. Delph has injured his leg. I don't think he will play in either game,” Guardiola said.

The game against the Baggies, the final home game of the season, will also be the final chance for City fans to say farewell to full-back Pablo Zabaleta, who will leave the club in the summer after nine years.

The Argentine has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups and Guardiola insisted that he would be remembered as one of City’s “most important” players.

“His impact here was amazing, he was one of the first players to come here, he has helped the club to where it is right now,” Guardiola added.

“Hopefully all the fans can come to support us -- we are playing for a lot of important things -- more than ever, and to express gratitude for one of the most important players in the history of Manchester City.”

With Zabaleta leaving, Guardiola is in the market for new full-backs this summer but also hinted that he could be interested in Real Madrid's Rodriguez, who seemingly waved goobye to the Bernabeu during Sunday’s win over Sevilla.

The Colombian has been linked with a move to Manchester United but Guardiola made no effort to hide his admiration for the playmaker.

When asked if Rodriguez could play in the Premier League, Guardiola said: “Yes. Absolutely. There is no doubt about his quality.”