During the FIFA Club World, Pep Guardiola has been in the unenviable position of naming a starting line-up from a 27-man Manchester City squad that has no shortage of quality and experience.
As a result, Guardiola started Abdukodir Khusanov against Al-Ain at the Club World Cup and then proceeded to keep him on the bench.
Rayan Cherki was gutted after Al-Hilal’s win against Manchester City and despite being the talk of the town after his recent arrival, he also only had the chance to play from the off against Wydad AC.
It’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola’s job is far more challenging than it may seem due to his tremendous track record in England, Germany and Spain.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola issues apology to John Stones for not playing him vs Al-Hilal
However, John Stones has been the most high-profile exclusion from City’s line-ups in the United States, failing to feature in any game during the competition.
Stones confirmed he will stay at Manchester City recently and regardless of his importance to the side next season, there is no denying that he has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players during his reign.
Perhaps as a result, Guardiola apologised to £50 million defender, Stones for not playing him against Al-Hilal via Manchester City’s official website: “I’m so sorry for John [Stones] not giving him minutes but the game was so demanding.”
“I didn’t want [to take any risks] after [Stones has been]] four or five months out [through injury].”
John Stones could leave Manchester City next year
Pep Guardiola’s rationale was justifiable, considering Stones started just six Premier League games for Manchester City last season and another potential injury against Al-Hilal would have been a devastating blow for him.
While the 31-year-old’s fitness has been unreliable for a while now, his quality cannot be called into question.
However, with Stones’ contract expiring next year, City might have no choice but to let him leave on a free transfer in 2026 if he remains sidelined for crucial parts of next season.
For the time being, the England international will be doing everything he can to become fit for the forthcoming campaign.
