Pep Guardiola reveals latest Man City injury blow ahead of Aston Villa test
John Stones could return but Nathan Ake has joined Kyle Walker and Ederson on the sidelines
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola said John Stones has to feel fully fit if he is to make his Manchester City comeback as he added Nathan Ake to his defensive injury list.
The Netherlands international will miss Wednesday’s game against Aston Villa, along with captain Kyle Walker and goalkeeper Ederson.
Stones was on the bench for Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal after his abductor injury proved less serious than Guardiola initially feared but he is unsure if he will be able to face Unai Emery’s team. Stones has had an injury-hit season and the City manager is reluctant to risk him if he is not comfortable.
The centre-back came off in the opening minutes of England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium last week and Guardiola said: “He has to feel fully, fully fit. The injury was less than we expected but we will see. John maybe [could be involved] but the other two [Walker and Ederson], no chance.”
Guardiola is not yet sure if Ederson will be fit for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace but seemed to believe Ake is unlikely to be available for next week’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
“Hopefully he will be back soon,” he added. “I don’t know exactly the timing but the next games he will not be ready.”
Villa beat City 1-0 in the Midlands in December in a match when they had 22 shots and Guardiola admitted: “[It was] the only game we deserved yes, yes to lose the game.”
One of Villa’s star players this season has been midfielder Douglas Luiz, who City signed in 2017 but were never able to pick as the Brazilian did not then qualify for a work permit in the United Kingdom.
He instead went on loan to Girona before joining Villa in 2019 and Guardiola said: “I am so happy for him. He is an exceptional guy. For the work permit, it was not possible to be with us.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments