John Stones and David Silva return to Man City training

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John Stones has been out of action with hamstring injury since November
David Silva missed clash with Tottenham but both players are back in training
Pep Guardiola thinks focus on stamping out diving has become an obsession
He believes priority for referees should be to protect players from injury

Published: 19:41 EDT, 22 December 2017 | Updated: 19:47 EDT, 22 December 2017

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John Stones and David Silva returned to Manchester City training ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.

The centre-back has been out of action since pulling his hamstring against Leicester in November so Pep Guardiola will be heartened by his step up in recovery.

Silva missed his side's 4-1 victory over Tottenham and is touch and go for the game at Vitality Stadium.

John Stones appeared to be relishing a return to training after being sidelined since November

David Silva missed the game against Tottenham but is in contention for Bournemouth

The central defender pulled his hamstring against Leicester and has been out ever since

Both players seemed to be enjoying training as the league-leaders were put through their paces.

Guardiola will be hoping to get them up to speed quickly and keep his squad clear of injuries over the busy festive period.

The Spaniard believes referees have a part to play in player protection in addition to the clubs.

The Manchester City manager felt Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were fortunate to escape injury after heavy challenges from Tottenham's Harry Kane and Dele Alli respectively last week.

Danilo shows off his touch at the Manchester City training base ahead of Saturday's game

Leroy Sane looks to bamboozle Eliaquim Mangala during a drill in the session

Guardiola insists he is not just talking about his players, pointing out City defender Nicolas Otamendi kicked Kane in the face in the same game.

Guardiola said: 'I don't believe the players go to injure another one - it is impossible to think that - but the football is quick, fast and aggressive and the refs have to follow the rules.

'Everybody is squealing about diving here. If they want to punish those who are diving, it's OK but the main thing the ref has to do is protect the players.

Vincent Kompany slides in on one of his team-mates during a competitive mini game

Pep Guardiola thinks the main duty for referees is to protect the players on the pitch

'I'm not saying protect Manchester City players but protect all the players. We were lucky against Tottenham, and Otamendi put his leg high against Kane so you have to protect Harry Kane.

'Always we are aggressive and sometimes we get injured. All the teams want to win and want to fight in the best way. I have no doubts that Delle Ali and Harry Kane are top-team players. I am not suspicious or thinking they are dangerous players.

'But the most important thing is to protect the players.'