Pep Guardiola says John Stones is ‘out AGAIN’ and is a ‘big loss’ after coming off at half-time in Man City’s 3-0 Champions League win over BSC Young Boys… with Manuel Akanji also set for the sidelines
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Pep Guardiola confirmed that both John Stones and Manuel Akanji are set for a spell have he sidelines after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys.
Akanji was replaced by Kyle Walker just before the Champions League group stage clash started, with John Stones hauled off at half-time.
It was a routine victory for Guardiola’s men, with two goals from Erling Haaland sandwiching a Phil Foden strike to ensure their last 16 qualification.
However, a ‘perfect’ evening has been overshadowed by two additions to their injury list.
Guardiola said: ‘Manuel had a problem in the back and when this happens, he’s out.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones and Manuel Akanji will both be out injured
Stones came off at half-time and Guardiola said his absence would be a ‘big loss’ for a while
Akanji was swapped out of the starting line-up before kick-off, replaced by Kyle Walker
‘Unfortunately, John, he’s out again. I feel so sorry for him because he’s an incredible professional and committed and he’s a big loss for us. John is so important with what he does but yeah, recover, the season is long, and (he) will be back soon.’
When asked if Stones would be out for a while, Guardiola said: ‘Yeah, think so’.
Ally McCoist highlighted the particular significance of losing Stones, who has been chameleonic for City in recent times, adapting to new midfield responsibilities after starting out as a central defender.
He said: ‘That’s a blow. I was saying it was a perfect night for Guardiola. Clearly it’s not if he’s got another injury to pick up.
‘Stonesy has been different class. He just moves into that midfield position. I saw him a couple of times on right-wing! He’s added things to his game. He’s really comfortable.
‘That’s a blow. There’ll be tougher tests for City, both domestically and in the Champions League, and injuries is the one thing that will worry Guardiola.’
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