Josko Gvardiol was disappointed to lose a big game against Arsenal on Sunday – but has outlined the return of John Stones as a major positive for Manchester City.
City crashed to a second straight defeat, with Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike being the difference between the two teams.
City just weren’t at it.
Rodri was missed again, and the game also felt like it needed a Kevin De Bruyne.
Erling Haaland really struggled to get into the game.
Pep Guardiola will no doubt work obsessively over the international break to get the team back on track.
And it’s likely £250,000-a-week star Stones will have a big part to play – and Gvardiol believes his return will be significant…
Josko Gvardiol talks up John Stones’ return to fitness for Manchester City, says he’ll become ‘key’
Stones made his first appearance of the season for City on Sunday.
He replaced Rico Lewis and played around 20 minutes.
There were some signs of rust for the England international, but Gvardiol – who issued a rallying cry to City fans on social media after the loss – knows his return is a big positive.
He said (mancity.com): “Of course, I’m happy (for his return).
“We saw his qualities also in the 15/20 minutes. Really happy about him and for sure he’s going to be one of the key players in the future.”
Stones return is huge
A lot of talk has been about Rodri and De Bruyne in terms of unavailable players at City.
But Stones is also a massive miss.
He turned in some absolutely world-class performances last season in that hybrid defence-midfield role.
Him and Rodri together sitting in front of the defence just felt so strong last season.
Both are amazing defensively and on the ball.
So it’s fantastic news that he’s now back in the picture.
