Manchester City have been rocked by another injury blow after losing Kevin De Bruyne, with John Stones set for a lengthy spell on the treatment table.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Defender nursing a muscle complaintYet to figure in competitive game this seasonRuled out until middle of SeptemberWHAT HAPPENED?
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that England defender Stones will be out of action until after the next international break in September. The 29-year-old is unlikely to be available to the Three Lions for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly date with Scotland.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Stones is still struggling with the muscle problem he picked up in pre-season. He has not figured in Premier League victories over Burnley and Newcastle or the UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout triumph against La Liga outfit Sevilla.
WHAT THEY SAID
Guardiola has said when delivering a fitness update on his squad, with Belgian midfielder De Bruyne having already undergone surgery on a hamstring injury: “We will need everyone for this schedule and calendar. We have to come back how the people (City fans) come back. Stones will not be ready until after the international break.”
GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The next international break is due to take place between September 4-12, meaning that Stones will sit out meetings with Sheffield United and Fulham. The transfer window is still open if City decide to look for reinforcements, with Guardiola adding: “The club will have to take some important decisions about the squad.”