Pep Guardiola has now confirmed that four Manchester City players will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United.
The 52-year-old shared the news in his press conference earlier on Friday.
So, what did Pep Guardiola say? Let’s take a look…
Pep Guardiola confirms four Manchester City absentees
Well, the Citizens should have enough firepower to overcome the Blades – who sit bottom of the Premier League on nine points – although they will have to make do without Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and now John Stones.
Guardiola is quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying: “Nothing changed from the last game. We have the same injured (Haaland, Doku and De Bruyne) plus John Stones.”
The term injured can be used loosely in regards to some of the quartet.
De Bruyne, Doku and Haaland have already been spotted back in training – even taking part in FIFA Club World Cup sessions out in Saudi Arabia, sometimes with teammates, sometimes individually – so the trio are simply just not match fit yet.
Stones – on the other hand – is unable to even train, having left Goodison Park in a protective boot on Wednesday after damaging his ankle.
John Stones will be a huge loss for Manchester City in Sheffield United clash
Of course, Guardiola would love to have De Bruyne, Haaland and Doku back, although the Spaniard might be most upset about losing Stones.
Nobody else at Manchester City can carry out the hybrid midfield role quite like the England international.
Manuel Akanji has tried – but failed – to do so.
It is a unique job in which Stones effectively has to play as an attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and a central defender depending on where the ball is, with his athleticism and composure proving key alongside Rodri.
When Guardiola gets the Manchester City No.5 and his other three superstars back, the rest of the Premier League are in real trouble.
