Pep Guardiola has described John Stones’ injury as a “big loss,” so Man City may be without him once more when Liverpool visits in just over two weeks.
Throughout the current season, Stones has battled hip issues; nevertheless, he has just lately become healthy again and has started four of the previous five games.
However, the adaptable Englishman was substituted at halftime of Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League triumph over Young Boys, with Nathan Ake taking his place.
In addition to starting as a center-back in both three- and four-man back lines in recent weeks, the 29-year-old was replacing first-choice defensive midfielder Rodri.
Speaking to TNT Sports following the match, Guardiola said that his extended absence will be a “big loss,” especially with Liverpool’s visit coming up a few weeks later on November 25.
He said, “Unfortunately, John felt [his hip] again.”
“He is so extremely dedicated and professional that I feel terrible for him.
It’s a significant loss for us. John has such significance in his work.
Guardiola stated that he anticipated Stones’ long-term absence, which means he won’t play against Liverpool following the international break.
When pressed for more details during his press conference after the game, Guardiola said, “It’s a muscular injury, so it will be a while out.”
“I feel bad for him, as he is an amazing professional.” It’s unfortunate, but he tried his best. We have awful news for tonight, bad news for us.
“We have to play a bit differently, like what happened at Arsenal [when Stones and Rodri were out and Bernardo Silva sat deepest in a 1-0 defeat],” Guardiola went on. “Now we are in trouble.”
“We don’t feel at ease and we’re not ready to make many adjustments.
However, I believe Kalvin Phillips can play incredibly well, and we should play Nathan Ake in that position, just like Manu Akanji does occasionally.
“Give us stability, manage the transitions, and handle the small things; they can play it.” We have an additional choice because Manu and Nathan can do it flawlessly.”
Although Man City has really already adapted to life without Stones, Guardiola noted that any problem for Rodri may make matters worse.
The Premier League leaders’ system depends so heavily on the England international that there may be a domino effect in the upcoming weeks.
Liverpool will be hoping that it puts a dent in the defence of a team whose only league losses thus far have come against Wolves and Arsenal, both of whom were without Rodri and Stones.
