John Stones goes off injured minutes into England’s clash with Belgium, days before Man City face Arsenal in a critical Premier League title clash
John Stones went off injured in the opening moments of England’s match against Belgium, just days before the Man City star was due to play in a key league match.
Manchester City face crucial Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title on Sunday, but he lasted less than ten minutes at Wembley before being replaced by Joe Gomez.
While the fact that Stones walked away will be reassuring in the short term, there will be concerns over the defender’s availability ahead of a crucial series of club games for the Man City faithful.
He had played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil but could not play a significant role in Tuesday’s match at Wembley.
Manchester City received a boost as Kyle Walker avoided a serious hamstring injury against Brazil, with Pep Guardiola’s side ‘hopeful’ he would be fit for the crucial match against Arsenal.
John Stones left England’s match against Belgium within the first 10 minutes with an injury
Manchester City hosts Arsenal on Sunday evening in an important Premier League title decider
The Etihad will play host to Man City and Arsenal on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm, with the current leaders traveling to third-placed Citizens.
Arsenal have 64 points, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, while Guardiola’s men are just one point behind the two.
Man City face a difficult schedule in the coming weeks. with eight matches scheduled for April, including their Champions League quarter-finals with Real Madrid home and away, and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.
However, Guardiola’s side’s injury problems could play a role in their success in those matches.
Stones played all 90 minutes against Brazil, but had to take the lead early against Belgium
Stones said he felt something after playing an awkward pass during the friendly
Goalkeeper Ederson missed international duty with Brazil after suffering a thigh injury during Man City’s match against Liverpool, while Kevin De Bruyne was also ruled out of the Belgian matches due to a ‘groin problem’.
Manchester City will await the fitness of some of their key players ahead of Sunday’s match, as well as the role they can play during the rest of the season.
