By TUM BALOGUN
Published: 10:16 EST, 21 December 2024 | Updated: 10:22 EST, 21 December 2024
John Stones lasted just 45 minutes on his return to the Manchester City starting XI after suffering a recurrence of a previous injury.
The defender was included in the side for the first time since the end of last month on Saturday but was forced off during the break as the champions suffered a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.
Stones, who has been plagued by a raft of issues in the last two seasons, had come in for Ruben Dias, who suffered an injury against Manchester United that is expected to sideline him for four weeks.
Following City's loss to Unai Emery's side - their ninth in 12 matches - Guardiola revealed that the half-time change was enforced after the England international suffered a setback.
The 30-year-old has played 90 minutes in the Premier League just once this season, while he was limited to only 16 appearances last term.
John Stones was taken off at half-time of Manchester City's 2-1 defeat by Aston VIlla on Saturday
Pep Guardiola side have been absent of several of their key players, particularly in defensive positions