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Stones came on as a substitute in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Burnley in midweek
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Manchester City face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday night
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Guardiola admits Stones’ fitness issues hampered his Manchester City career
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given an honest reflection on John Stones’ struggles with injuries during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Stones is expected to announce his departure Manchester City His contract is set to expire in the coming days as his side pursue a domestic treble.
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The 31-year-old man is one of them GuardiolaThe Catalan became City’s biggest signing during his first summer in charge in 2016 and has shared every step of his journey with the manager in the north-west of England.
Does the England coach Thomas Tuchel Barnsley-born centre-back Stones will be called up for the World Cup this summer after another injury-plagued season.
Guardiola press conference: Rodri’s injury update ahead of FA Cup semi-final against Southampton
Will Stones play for Manchester City against Southampton?
Stones has struggled to regain fitness since December 2025 and executives at the Etihad Stadium brought him in amid concerns over his availability Mark Geshe from crystal palace after january Ruben Dias and Josco Gvaldiol Injured during the 1-1 draw with his opponent chelsea.
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Geshehe Abdulkodir Kusanov They have played much of the purple season at Manchester City since March at centre-back, with Dias nursing a hamstring injury and Gvardiol not yet fully fit. Nathan Acker Still available and starring carabao cup The final victory over Arsenal came in March.
Speaking at the press conference before the Manchester City game FA Cup semifinals vs. southampton Guardiola was asked at Wembley whether Stones would feature for the Blues on Saturday night. “It depends on the manager. That’s for sure,” the 55-year-old said.
When asked if Guardiola could provide any further clues as to Stones’ chances of selection, the Manchester City manager added with typical sarcasm: “Yes, of course, I’ll call you later.”
Pep: Stones’ injury limited his performance at Manchester City
Stones is Guardiola’s longest-serving player at the Etihad Stadium and the pair enjoy a good relationship on and off the pitch, although the latter honestly admits the former’s injury record has prevented him from reaching his best potential in Manchester.
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“Yes, 10 years together. I can’t always judge his performances because he is a bit out. That’s the only problem. I don’t have any doubts about John. He is a top centre-back only when he can get back to his level.” Guardiola said of Stones’ fitness over the years.
“Definitely. But yes, we said, the only thing I want is for him to stay fit. Unfortunately, like last season, (he) missed a lot of time and that’s not possible. But we still have tomorrow (the FA Cup semi-finals), we still have five, probably six (games left in the season) and he’s a lovely, unbelievable team-mate. Yeah, we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”
with manchester city captain Bernardo Silva Stones will also follow his Portuguese friend out of the club this summer as the Blues have no hope of renewing the Englishman’s contract beyond June.
Predicted starting lineup: Manchester City vs Southampton (FA Cup semi-finals)
Why doesn’t Stones play much in 2026?
Asked further why it has been difficult for Stones to get game time since December 2025, Guardiola added: “He has been injured a number of times. Now he is back and now Kuza (Abdukodil Kusanov) and Marc (Gehy) are playing very well.”
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“Nathan (Ake) was brilliant in the Carabao (Cup) final and played five minutes after that. It couldn’t be more unfair to Nathan but they have to compete. Both centre-backs were outstanding.
“Kusa is, what can I say, so is Mark. He (Stones) is injured and he is coming back. The important thing is that in two or three weeks he has trained fully and well and that is the best news.”
He came on as a substitute in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Stones burnley The England international is expected to retain a place on the Wembley bench as the Blues top the Premier League table in midweek.
Guardiola backs Stones to qualify for England World Cup
When the German named his World Cup squad, it was anyone’s guess as to whether Tuchel would trust Stones’ experience and skill and ignore his worrying injury record.
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Asked if Tuchel still counted on Stones for the World Cup, Guardiola added: “I hope so.” When asked if the Englishman could play consecutive matches, the Manchester City boss said: “Absolutely. Absolutely.”
Stones will be eager to feature for Manchester City between now and the end of the season as the Blues look to complete a perfect winning streak and achieve a second domestic treble under Guardiola.
