- Stones set to be sidelined until after the international break
- Defender could miss key Euro qualifier
- City also coping without De Bruyne
Manchester City defender John Stones is set to be out of action until after the international break, manager Pep Guardiola has stated.
Stones, 29, picked up a muscle injury during pre-season and was absent from City’s first two Premier League matches. He remained on the bench during their Super Cup victory.
The upcoming international break is scheduled between the 4th and 12th of September.
Stones likely to miss Ukraine and Scotland games
As a result of his injury, Stones might not be available for England’s Euro qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly against Scotland next month. Bettors will need to consider whether his absence is likely to greatly affect England, who have a 100% record in qualification, ahead of these matches.
City also dealing with De Bruyne injury blow
He is expected to miss Manchester City’s next two Premier League fixtures: against Sheffield United on the 27th of August and Fulham on the 2nd of September.
The club is also dealing with the absence of key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who underwent surgery for a hamstring injury. He could potentially be sidelined for a period of four months. However, despite the absence of these two key players City have won both of their league games and beat Sevilla on penalties to win the European Super Cup. Punters need to evaluate whether these absences will affect Guardiola’s side in the longer term.
