Manchester City have suffered another injury setback after John Stones walked off the pitch in the eighth minute of their Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The England international’s injury came after Kylian Mbappe opened the lead with a chip goal above Ederson in the fourth minute on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been hit by another squad issue just four days ahead of their crucial game against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Spaniard has already come with an injury-hit band at Santiago Bernabeu as he left the Citizens’ striker Erling Haaland on the bench following his discomfort against Newcastle last week.
Ahead of the game, Guardiola said: ‘[Erling Haaland is] not far off, was close but not enough. He trained a bit yesterday, but we spoke yesterday, this morning, and he said he doesn’t feel good so another one.
‘Of course, Erling is massively important for us, you don’t need to be a manager to realise, but it is what it is, during the seasons it happens, we are used to this season to many cases and it could not be different today.’
John Stones was forced off the pitch in the eighth minute of the clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday
In his absence, City’s new signing Omar Marmoush has taken over the No 9 position, alongside another newcomer, Nico Gonzalez, who is making his Champions League debut for the Manchester side.
Although Stones’ injury is yet to be confirmed, the Englishman has already missed 16 games this season due to various discomforts.
Guardiola will be without several key players for the upcoming match against Liverpool, such as Rodri – who is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the campaign – and Manuel Akanji, was substituted during the first leg against Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.
More to follow…
