Manchester City begin the defence of their FA Cup crown with a third-round tie against Port Vale on Saturday evening.

With the club realistically out of the Premier League title race, Pep Guardiola is eager to earn trophies in cup competitions before the end of the campaign.

However, after a hectic recent period, the Spaniard is having to contend with an increased number of players in the treatment room.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the meeting with the League Two club.

Leroy Sane

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Sane has been on the sidelines since injuring knee ligaments against Liverpool in the Community Shield back in August. While no specific date has been pencilled in for his return, the winger is expected back in February.

Aymeric Laporte

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

City were given a boost just before the turn of the year as Laporte returned to the training pitch after four months out with a serious knee injury. However, at this stage, there remains no official timescale for his return.

Ederson

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Illness
Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Port Vale)

Despite completing a one-game suspension, Ederson was absent against Everton on New Year's Day due to illness. While the Brazilian may have recovered in time for Saturday, he will likely be kept in reserve until next week.

John Stones

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: January 4 (vs. Port Vale)

Having missed almost a month of action due to a thigh injury, Stones is nearing a return. Guardiola may view this game as ideal for the centre-back's comeback, although no risks will be taken on the Englishman.

Nicolas Otamendi

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Unknown
Possible return date: January 7 (vs. Manchester United)

Otamendi missed out against Everton due to an undisclosed injury. Regardless of whether he has recovered in time for Saturday, it would come as a surprise if he features in the squad.

MAN CITY'S SUSPENSION LIST

City have no suspension issues heading into this match.