John Stones will continue to be tested for the worrying ankle injury he suffered against Everton on Wednesday, but Manchester City will hope the centre-back can avoid a lengthy layoff.
The England international suffered the injury just before half-time when he prevented Beto from running through on goal, despite the Everton striker being in an offside position.
There is consternation at City over the way assistant referees are interpreting the directive to initially keep their flags low during tight offside calls, which was introduced with the introduction of VAR.
Wednesday’s offside incident was described as ‘obvious’ by Pep Guardiola, but City are unlikely to make a complaint to referees’ body PGMOL even as they sweat Stones’ fitness as a result of the flag being left hanging.
City are yet to determine the severity of Stones’ latest setback, but early suggestions are that the 29-year-old will miss weeks rather than months.
Man City are awaiting test results to see the extent of defender John Stones’ ankle injury
Stones suffered the injury when he tackled Everton striker Beto before half-time
Pep Guardiola was frustrated that Beto was offside, but the game was allowed to continue
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Stones has started just five Premier League games this season after suffering an early season hip injury which proved complicated.
He seeks the help of a private doctor, who works with City’s medical team, in a bid to prevent the muscle injuries that have blighted his seven years at the Etihad Stadium.
City missed Stones this season and kept just four clean sheets in eighteen league games. But his injury is just one of many injuries that Guardiola has to deal with.
Top scorer Erling Haaland still only does individual work with the ball and complained this week of discomfort in his foot. He is expected back at team training soon.
Kevin De Bruyne is also approaching a return after hamstring surgery in August.
Initial suggestions are that Stones will miss a number of weeks rather than months
Jeremy Doku’s hamstring problem is being carefully managed, but the 21-year-old believes he will be ready to return soon. Ruben Dias will recover from illness for tomorrow’s visit to Sheffield United.
Meanwhile, captain Kyle Walker wants Phil Foden to be more consistent after inspiring City to Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Goodison Park, with the 23-year-old scoring his ninth goal of the season.
Walker said: “The talent this lad possesses is incredible, but with this manager, this team and the caliber of players we have, Phil has to do it week in, week out.
‘By resting for a few games you will not reach the caliber of the best footballers in the world. The sky’s the limit for him.’
