John Stones was speaking before Manchester City's match against West Ham

Stones suffered a hamstring injury in City's win over Leicester on November 18

The England international became a regular fixture at heart of City's defence

Manchester City defender John Stones believes that he will return to first team action just after Christmas.

The England international suffered a hamstring injury during City's 2-0 victory over Leicester in the Premier League on November 18.

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Stones has become a regular fixture at the heart of defence for the Etihad outfit during what has been an almost perfect opening to the season in both the Premier League and Champions League.

John Stones was speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Manchester City's clash with West Ham

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With the action coming thick and fast between now and New Year, Pep Guardiola will be hoping that his centre back can recover as quickly as possible.

And Stones told Sky Sports that he reckons he will be back on the football pitch just after Christmas, admitting that rehab is going well.

'Long time since I have been out injured but hopefully I'll be back on the pitch soon. Rehab is going well so I am pleased,' Stones revealed after being asked how his recovery was going.

'I would like to be back out there for Christmas but let's see where it goes, I think it might be just after.'

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Stones is set to miss crunch matches against Manchester United and Tottenham but will be looking to return for City's Premier League encounter with Newcastle on December 27.