Stones has reportedly picked up a ‘muscular injury’ and will be out ‘for a little while’ says Guardiola. (Credit: AFP)
Stones had already missed the first 10 games of the campaign with a hip injury sustained in pre-season before returning to action in October.
Manchester City defender John Stones faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Young Boys.
City boss Pep Guardiola said the England centre-back is likely to be out for a substantial period following his half-time substitution at the Etihad Stadium.
READ: UEFA Champions League: Erling Haaland Brace Secures Last-16 Qualification For Manchester City in 3-0 Victory vs Young Boys
Stones had already missed the first 10 games of the campaign with a hip injury sustained in pre-season before returning to action in October.
❌ John Stones has sustained a muscular injury and will miss the game vs Newcastle tomorrow.Guardiola confirms he doesn’t know how long Stones will be out of action.
Ruben Dias is also a doubt for the game. pic.twitter.com/v7s25JPohi
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 18, 2023
Follow all the action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 including the World Cup schedule, World Cup 2023 results, and ICC Cricket World Cup points table. Players are vying to top the World Cup 2023 Most Runs and World Cup 2023 Most Wickets charts.
Asked if Stones would be out for a long time, Guardiola said: “Yeah, I think he will be out a while. I feel so sorry for him.”
Stones’ injury is a blow for Premier League leaders City, who face key matches against Liverpool and Tottenham after the November international break.
Adding to Guardiola’s injury woes was the sight of Manuel Akanji suffering a back problem during the pre-match warm-up, with Kyle Walker a last-minute replacement for the Swiss defender.
City are also unbeaten in their past 17 Champions League games and Guardiola now has the opportunity to rest players in the last two group matches if he wishes, instead prioritising Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
BREAKING: John Stones will be ruled out through injury “for a while”, says Pep Guardiola.— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) November 7, 2023
The saving grace for City is their victory over Young Boys sealed qualification for the Champions League last 16, allowing Guardiola to rest players for their remaining two group matches.
“Manu had a problem in the back. Unfortunately John, he felt (injured) again,” Guardiola said.
“It is a big loss for us. He is so important for what he does. He will recover, the season is long. He will be back stronger.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
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