Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that John Stones will be unavailable to face Newcastle United through injury.
Speaking in his latest press conference (via Manchester Evening News), the £47.5 million (Sky Sports) man’s availability ahead of the contest was questioned.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded by confirming that John Stones is injured for his side’s upcoming clash against Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola confirms Manchester City defender John Stones is out for Newcastle clash
Branded as ‘amazing’ by Fernandinho, the Englishman is vital to City’s system, operating in his much-discussed hybrid role.
Alongside Rodri, there is a strong case to be made that the five-time Premier League winner is perhaps the most vital to the Sky Blues’ current tactical setup.
As Newcastle travel to the Etihad Stadium to lock horns against Manchester City, Pep Guardiola was the bearer of bad news regarding John Stones’ fitness.
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“Yes. Maybe Ruben [Dias] will play. John is out. Last training, he felt not comfortable, I don’t know how long that will be”, he said.
A swift return for John Stones remains the dream
Even if Manchester City are affected enough by the absence of John Stones to the point that they drop points, it is far from the end of the world.
But ultimately, the ex-Everton defender’s availability or lack thereof is likely to affect his side in the long run.
As a result, it would be a huge blow for the treble-winners if the decorated defender is ruled out for a number of games this season.
Rico Lewis is the only player in Manchester City’s current squad who can slot into midfield from defence at a high level.
But the youngster does not possess his countryman’s engine to defend at an elite level when taking his place back into the back four yet.