John Stones injury: Man City suffer another huge blow before Arsenal title clash
Manchester City have been dealt another huge injury concern ahead of this weekend’s massive Premier League title showdown with Arsenal after John Stones was hurt on England duty.
Pep Guardiola’s defending champions host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a high-profile fixture that could have a massive say in this season’s captivating three-way championship battle also involving Liverpool.
However, having previously had an almost fully clean bill of health, City’s injury woes are now really starting to mount as the visit of Arsenal looms large.
Stones retained his starting berth from the weekend defeat by Brazil as England faced Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday night in their final match before Gareth Southgate names his preliminary Euro 2024 squad, but lasted less than 10 minutes before limping off and being replaced by Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.
Stones’ blow follows that of City team-mate Kyle Walker, who withdrew from an already heavily depleted England squad without the likes of Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka on Sunday after limping off in the first half against Brazil.
England and City are already without Jack Grealish at the moment, while first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is also a major doubt to face Arsenal after being ruled out for up to four weeks with the thigh injury he suffered in the pulsating 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month.
Kevin De Bruyne’s status to face the Gunners is also in question, with the City skipper omitted from the Belgium squad to face the Republic of Ireland and England amid concerns over a lingering groin issue.