Manchester City and England defender John Stones is “out for a while” – according to Pep Guardiola – after the centre-back picked up another injury in Man City’s 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League.
Stones, who began this season with a hip injury and missed the first seven matches of the season, came off at half-time of City’s victory over the Swiss side with a muscular problem.
City had a double injury blow on Tuesday night as Manuel Akanji injured his back in the warm-up.
Asked about the injuries, Guardiola told TNT Sports: ”Manu had a problem in the back. It was blocked and I don’t know what happened but he was out.
”And John felt [his injury] again. I feel so sorry for him because he’s so incredibly professional and his commitment again. It is a big loss for us. John is so important for what he does but he will recover and the season is long and he will be back stronger.”
Asked if Stones will be out for a while, Guardiola said: ”Yeah I think so.”
Pressed about the news in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: ”It’s a muscular injury so he will be a while out. It’s a pity for him, because he’s an incredible professional. It’s bad news for us, it’s the bad news.”
The news is also a blow for England, with Gareth Southgate set to name his squad for the final Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia this week.
Meanwhile, Man City have a difficult run of Premier League games which will see them face Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa over the next four weeks.
Sunday 12th November 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
Man City’s next six games
November 12: Chelsea (A) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
November 25: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.30pm
November 28: RB Leipzig (H) – Champions League, kick-off 8pm
December 3: Tottenham (H) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
December 6: Aston Villa (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm
December 10: Luton Town (A) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 2pm
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