Manchester City dealt a huge blow ahead of Arsenal clash as John Stones goes off injured for England

Manchester City are set to face Arsenal at the Etihad in a crucial Premier League fixture on Sunday, March 31. They are currently third in the table and sit just a point behind the Gunners.

Manchester City dealt with John Stones injury

However, ahead of the key fixture, the Cityzens have been dealt a major blow. Defender John Stones went off injured after just nine minutes in England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday, March 26. The extent of the injury will be revealed after tests are done but he appears to have some issue with his adductor.

Stones also played the entire 90 minutes in England’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil in a friendly three days ago. Hence, there were questions raised if he needed to start against Belgium on Wednesday.

However, England manager Gareth Southgate has defended his decision to start the Manchester City man, saying (via The Guardian):

“We measure everything and the first game for him wasn’t a game that was a high level in terms of the intensity. We have done exactly what Holland did with Virgil van Dijk tonight. What Norway did with Erling Haaland and ­Martin ­Ødegaard starting them again. ­Holland started [Nathan] Aké again.”

“It only ever seems to fall on us when there is a question around that. Of course we are disappointed if he’s got a problem. It seems to be in the adductor area so we’ll have to wait and see. John also came in on the back of not having played for two weeks so it is not an overload situation. I hate sending players back to their clubs if they are not fully fit.”

Stones had to deal with injury issues earlier this season as well but he’s been a key player for Manchester City whenever he’s played this season. He has made 22 appearances as a centre-back but has often drifted into midfield during City’s buildup.

He will be a big loss for Pep Guardiola if he doesn’t feature against Arsenal.

Also Read: Gabriel Martinelli Injury: Will the Arsenal Winger Play against Man City?

John Stones joins Manchester City’s injury list

Stones isn’t the only Manchester City player who suffered an injury during the international break. Kevin De Bruyne earlier pulled out from the Belgium camp due to a minor groin injury.

Kyle Walker suffered a slight hamstring injury during England’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil. Manuel Akanji also pulled out of the Switzerland squad, having picked up a knock. He is expected to be fit for the Arsenal clash, though.