Manchester City have received ‘bad news’ after learning of the injury to John Stones, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Stones suffers hamstring injury

The centre-back was named in England’s starting line-up to take on Germany in the Nations League on Monday night, but was forced off the pitch after 37 minutes due to sustaining a hamstring problem - as later confirmed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

The 28-year-old was replaced by his Sky Blues teammate Kyle Walker for the remainder of the game, and is now likely to face a spell on the sidelines in the Premier League as a result.

The Latest: Romano’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Romano reacted to Stones’ gutting injury, but praised the City hierarchy for signing Akanji in the summer to cover for defensive situations like this. He wrote:

“Bad news for Manchester City as it seems John Stones has sustained a hamstring injury.

“But again, very good strategy in the summer when City board decided to sign Akanji on permanent deal in the final days as ‘jolly/opportunity’ and with no plans to sell any CB.”

The Verdict: Blow for Guardiola

Not having Stones available for selection for the Manchester derby on Sunday could come as a huge blow to Pep Guardiola, who will know just how much of an impact he has on his starting XI.

The Barnsley-born talent has provided two assists in just five top-flight starts this season, and currently averages a remarkable 96.8% pass success rate (WhoScored).

This ability to affect a game at both ends of the pitch is rare, so the City boss will no doubt be hoping to have Stones back at his disposal sooner rather than later.