John Stones looks set for a spell on the sidelines in a fresh blow for Man City (Picture: Getty)
Pep Guardiola has provided an injury update on John Stones after he hobbled off in the first half of Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Everton on Wednesday.
Stones was replaced after just 43 minutes and appears to be set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle problem.
The England international defender has only featured in eight Premier League matches this term after struggling with a hip injury earlier this season.
‘It doesn’t look good but we will see,’ Guardiola told Amazon Prime after City’s victory at Goodison Park. ‘It’s his ankle.’
In his post-match press conference, Guardiola admitted he did not know how severe Stones’ injury was but added: ‘Sometimes you have seasons in this way.
‘They start going bad, then more bad and more bad. Hopefully the damage is not big and he can come back soon.’
Meanwhile, Guardiola also gave news on Kevin De Bruyne’s possible turn, with the Belgian having been ruled out since the first game of the season with a hamstring injury, as well as Erling Haaland, who has missed the last three top-flight matches.
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‘[Haaland is] training alone,’ Guardiola said. ‘He’s getting better, but he is not training with the team yet.
‘Kevin is training with the team. He’s close. But he had fatigue yesterday and we have to be careful.
‘The injury was serious so it’s step-by-step. But he is training with us. He’s so positive. I would love him to play the next game but it’s important to keep him fit for a long time.’
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