Pep Guardiola has delivered some early Manchester City team news involving John Stones ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday.
The Lowdown: Injury concerns
The 27-year-old was named as part of the starting XI to face Real Madrid in the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final tie earlier this week, but ended up having to be replaced with just 30 minutes on the clock following a flair-up of the hamstring injury he previously sustained against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Fielding the defender under the European lights was definitely a risk considering the extent of the problem, and unfortunately, it looks like it was one that didn’t pay off, with the Manchester outfit now having to try and secure another three points without the 55-time England international.
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The Latest: Ruled out
City Xtra shared the news following Guardiola’s pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, revealing: "John Stones is ruled out vs Leeds due to injury, confirms Pep Guardiola.”
Kyle Walker will also miss the game, as the manager hinted he may not return this season.
The Verdict: A hammer blow
Stones being unavailable for selection will come as a huge blow for the Spanish manager, who will need all of the backline experience accessible to him with Walker also missing, should City want to get their hands on the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.
Despite the £25.2m-rated star only making 23 starts in all competitions for the Citizens this season, he has still been an absolute rock at the heart of the defence when on the pitch, averaging a pass success rate of 93.5% and winning 2.6 of his aerial duels per 90 minutes, via WhoScored.
Dubbed as being one of the “best in the world” by former Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba, Stones will be massively missed in the game at Elland Road, but could come back into contention for the reverse Madrid fixture next Wednesday.