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John Stones and Man City team-mates bring Christmas cheer in visit to local hospital... as defender admits his side must shore up at the back if they want to be world champions

John Stones admitted that Manchester City must shore up defensively if they want to make history over the festive period.

Stones has recently returned from injury after a month out in which City conceded 10 goals in four games but his re-emergence should see Pep Guardiola’s side tighten up at the back.

City are in Belgrade for a Champions League dead rubber against Red Star on Wednesday evening and host Crystal Palace at the weekend before jetting off for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

City do not find out their semi-final opponents until later in the week and kick off their tournament next Tuesday.