John Stones was injured in the early moments of England’s match against Belgium, just days before the Manchester City star faced a key league match.
Manchester City will play Arsenal on Sunday, who are pivotal in the Premier League title race but lasted less than 10 minutes at Wembley before being replaced by Joe Gomez.
While the fact that Stones has left will be reassuring in the short term, there will be concerns over the defender’s availability ahead of a crucial run of club games for the Man City stalwart.
He had played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Brazil but was unable to play a significant role in Tuesday’s match at Wembley.
Manchester City have received a boost as Kyle Walker avoided a serious hamstring injury during the Brazil match, and Pep Guardiola’s side were “hopeful” he would be fit for the crucial game against Arsenal.
John Stones left England’s match against Belgium after 10 minutes due to injury
Manchester City host Arsenal in an important Premier League title decider on Sunday night.
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The Etihad will host Manchester City and Arsenal at 4.30pm on Sunday, with the current leaders traveling to the third-placed Citizens.
Arsenal have 64 points, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, with Guardiola’s men just one point behind the two.
Man City face a daunting schedule over the next few weeks. with eight matches scheduled for April, including a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid home and away, and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.
However, Guardiola’s team’s injury problems may influence their success during those games.
Stones played the full 90 minutes against Brazil but was forced off early against Belgium
Stones said he felt something after making an awkward pass during the friendly
Goalkeeper Ederson missed Brazil selection after suffering a thigh injury during Manchester City’s game against Liverpool, while Kevin De Bruyne was also ruled out of Belgium’s matches with a “groin problem”.
Manchester City will be monitoring the fitness of several of their key players ahead of Sunday’s game, as well as the role they can play during the rest of the campaign.
