Raheem Sterling could return from injury to face Arsenal on Thursday, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Sterling picked up a hamstring injury earlier this month, and was originally supposed to be out until after the Chelsea match this weekend. Guardiola told his pre-Arsenal press conference that the winger is now ahead of schedule.

“Sterling is much, much better,” the City boss revealed, and added that they would make a decision on the Arsenal match closer to kick-off. “I don’t know if he can play tomorrow but hopefully Chelsea or Basel.”

If Sterling starts, it will be another major concern for Arsenal’s already long list. The 23-year-old has 20 goals and 10 assists in his 36 appearances this season. In total that means he had a part in 26% of City’s goals in all competitions to this point.

Plus, he won a controversial penalty against Wenger’s side at the Etihad earlier this season. After the manager’s post-match comments about Sterling diving, the England international could be out for revenge.

Gabriel Jesus also made an early return to fitness to come on in the League Cup final on Sunday. He should be available from the start on Thursday if called upon.

In all, City should have a side that’s pretty close to full strength. They’ll miss Fabian Delph through suspension, and Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho through injury, but that’s about it.