Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed that he is hopeful of returning to action later this month.

Stones has been absent for City since suffering a hamstring injury against Leicester City on November 18, and it had initially been thought that the centre-back would miss the remainder of 2017.

The England international, however, has said that his rehab "is going well", and believes that he could be fit for Christmas.

"It's been a long time since I've been out injured - the rehab is going well and hopefully I'll be back soon," Stones told Sky Sports News. "I'd like to be back out there for Christmas but let's see where it goes. I think it might be just after."

Stones, 23, has scored three times in 18 appearances for City this season.