John Stones suffered an injury setback while on international dutyplaceholder image
John Stones suffered an injury setback while on international duty | Getty Images
The Manchester City star had to withdraw from international duty due to recent injury issues.
The 31-year-old was forced to withdraw from the England national side ahead of their friendly match against Japan on Tuesday night after he suffered a fresh calf issue in training last week. Stones was left out of the squad that drew 1-1 with Uruguay on Friday night and has since returned to Man City for recovery work.
Tuchel started Fikayo Tomori alongside Harry Maguire in central defence and could experiment with his defensive partnership again this week. Stones could be at risk of losing his starting role for the World Cup this summer, though England boss Tuchel is adamant he will still play a key role in the squad if he is fit.
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Tuchel backs Stones for World Cup spot
John Stones has only made 15 appearances for Man City this season, but could still be part of the England squad for the World Cup this summer. Thomas Tuchel admits the experienced defender still has plenty of 'credit in the bank' and is hopeful he will be fit enough to earn a place in his final squad for the tournament.
Speaking at his latest press conference on Monday morning, the England manager was quizzed on the fitness issues of the Man City star. "It's not ideal. Not ideal for John, and not ideal for us," Tuchel admitted. "John was gutted that he had this minor incident again, which was not a big injury, but minor. Given the history, we had to be careful, it made no sense to push him through and make things even worse.
"He has a lot of credit with me in the bank still. He is a key player for us as a starter or as a substitute, as a part of the team, because of his quality, but also because of his mentality and the personality, how he is as a character. He is a big part in my plans still. Like everyone, he has to be fit. There is no big exception. Let's wait and see how it plays out. He will have some days rest, be then on the pitch.
"I saw him playing for Man City in Newcastle, very complicated match and he did so, so well. I think he can get away with not too many minutes and being competitive would be nice. We will take a late decision."
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