Ahead of next week’s derby match against Manchester United, Man City defender John Stones has suffered a new setback after withdrawing from the England squad due to injury.
A’muscular issue’ that has not improved will prevent the 31-year-old from playing in either of the upcoming matches against Serbia and Andorra, despite his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s team.
Stones has started each of City’s three Premier League games this season, but it’s uncertain if he’ll be healthy enough for Sunday’s derby against United. After losing back-to-back games to Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur, Pep Guardiola’s team enters the game lower in the Premier League standings than United.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Tuchel confirmed his side would not risk Stones for their World Cup qualifiers. “Unfortunately, John Stones [has] just left,” said Tuchel. “He came with minor muscle issues to camp and didn’t progress the way we thought and hoped he would so he left camp this morning because we will not take the risk against Andorra and also unfortunately against Serbia.”
The most recent fitness scare coincides with Josko Gvardiol’s continued absence and Abdukodir Khusanov’s injury sustained during last weekend’s loss to Brighton. As a result, nine City players are guaranteed to be there for next week’s derby match against United.
Mateo Kovacic is not anticipated to return until the end of the month at the latest, and Rayan Cherki has been sidelined for two months due to a thigh injury. Marcus Bettinelli has a knock, and Phil Foden and Savinho have also been sidelined. After undergoing Achilles surgery in the summer, Kalvin Phillips is currently recuperating.
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