Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about John Stones with the England defender heading for the exit door this summer
Manchester City defender John Stones pictured in England training before picking up an injury
Manchester City defender John Stones(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
View Image
Pep Guardiola thinks John Stones can be brilliant for England at the World Cup this summer - but has had to go with other options at Manchester City. Stones, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, has struggled with injuries again to leave him trailing teammates competing for the same spots.
Former Everton defender Stones has seen his last two starts come in the FA Cup and could play against Southampton on Saturday, but his last Premier League start came in October at Aston Villa and when Guardiola needed a partner for Abdukodir Khusanov in the Carabao Cup final with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Marc Guehi unavailable, he opted for Nathan Ake.
Guehi returned to partner Khusanov in the next game and the pair have conceded just one goal in the last four games to help City's push for another two trophies this season. Stones is pushing them in training and he doesn't need to convince Guardiola of his ability, but the accumulation of injuries has seen others make their case in games.
"He has been injured many times, now he is back. Now Khusa and Marc are playing incredibly well, Nathan in the final of the Carabao played outstanding, since then played five minutes. Cannot be unfair to Nathan. But they have to compete.
"Both central defenders are exceptional. Khusa is… what can I say? And Marc the same. The important thing is in two or three weeks he is already training full and well, and this is the best news.
"I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out. I don’t have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender. Unfortunately, I only want him fit and unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible. Still we have tomorrow, we have five, potentially six (games). He is a lovely, incredible teammate. But we will see what happens."