Manchester City have been dealt another untimely fitness blow after Pep Guardiola confirmed that defender John Stones has suffered a new injury setback.
The England international was absent from the matchday squad during City’s 3–0 victory over Sunderland at the weekend, and his omission raised immediate questions given his importance to the team’s fluid build-up structure.
Stones’ ability to shift seamlessly between defence and midfield has made him an essential figure in Guardiola’s system, particularly during high-pressure phases of the season.
But with City already navigating a December that is packed with fixtures, and with the medical department dealing with several knocks and niggling problems across the squad, the manager’s admission came as unwelcome news.
Guardiola chose to disclose that John Stones has suffered a new injury setback during the second half of his post-match press conference, confirming to reporters what many had suspected earlier in the day as soon as the teamsheet was released.
The information now piles further stress onto a period of the campaign that traditionally tests even the deepest squads in Europe.
On the pitch, City were able to move past the Sunderland challenge with authority, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s slip-up earlier in the afternoon to close the gap in the title race.
A commanding performance produced goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden, and while the visitors managed to threaten sporadically on the counter-attack, the Sky Blues exerted control for much of the contest.
The three-goal margin ensured Guardiola was able to distribute minutes more generously across the squad, introducing rotation where possible.
Yet even with the comfortable scoreline, the absence of Stones remained a significant talking point, especially with City preparing for a daunting midweek trip to face Real Madrid in Spain.
With the Champions League group phase entering its decisive moments, clarity on Stones’ condition was always going to be crucial.
After the final whistle, Guardiola addressed the issue directly when asked about the 29-year-old’s exclusion from the squad.
From the press room at the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan coach gave a blunt confirmation: “He was injured, yes”, he told reporters.
But when pressed on how long the defender might be sidelined, the manager offered little insight, admitting, “To be honest, I don’t know.”
The uncertainty leaves Manchester City without one of their most tactically flexible players at a critical time, and Guardiola’s short responses suggested that he himself is awaiting further medical updates.
Stones has already missed chunks of the current season through injury, and his return had given supporters hope that the team’s defensive rhythm would stabilise further heading into the winter period.
Phil Foden also admits he ‘didn’t feel well’
One bright spot on the night, however, came from Phil Foden, who delivered another outstanding display despite telling his manager after full-time that he was not at his physical best.
The England midfielder has been in sparkling form in recent weeks, contributing decisive goals and influencing matches with increasing authority.
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Guardiola was full of praise for Foden’s performance, revealing that the 23-year-old had confided in him after the match about feeling unwell.
The Catalan said: “Phil is incredible. He’s scoring a lot of goals… He told to me after, ‘I didn’t feel well today.’ And look what happened; how he runs in-behind and regaining the ball.”
Foden’s ability to maintain such a high level despite discomfort underlines his growing maturity and importance within the squad.
His relentless pressing, sharp movements and technical precision were all on display once again, providing energy and unpredictability in the final third.
Guardiola went even further in his admiration, adding: “Phil, when he’s in these momentums, in this mood, he’s a gift. He’s a diamond. He’s top. Top.”