Pep Guardiola says John Stones is ‘out AGAIN’ and is a ‘big loss’ after coming off at half-time in Man City’s 3-0 Champions League win over BSC Young Boys… with Manuel Akanji also set for the sidelines

• John Stones has suffered his third injury this year and Manuel Akanji is also out
• Pep Guardiola seemed disheartened as he saw his injury list grow after the game
• Chris Sutton: ‘How my son nearly died’ – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Pep Guardiola confirmed that both John Stones and Manuel Akanji are set for a spell on the sidelines after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over BSC Young Boys.

Akanji was replaced by Kyle Walker just before the Champions League group stage clash started, with John Stones hauled off at half-time. 

It was a routine victory for Guardiola’s men, with two goals from Erling Haaland sandwiching a Phil Foden strike to ensure their last 16 qualification. 

However, a ‘perfect’ evening has been overshadowed by two additions to their injury list, with Stones suffering his third blow of the year after hamstring and hip troubles.

Guardiola said: ‘Manuel had a problem in the back and when this happens, he’s out.

Pep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones and Manuel Akanji will both be out injured

Stones came off at half-time and Guardiola said his absence would be a ‘big loss’ for a while

Akanji was swapped out of the starting line-up before kick-off, replaced by Kyle Walker 

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‘Unfortunately, John, he’s out again. I feel so sorry for him because he’s an incredible professional and committed and he’s a big loss for us. John is so important with what he does but yeah, recover, the season is long, and [he] will be back soon.’

When asked if Stones will be out for a while, Guardiola said: ‘Yeah, think so’.

Ally McCoist highlighted the particular significance of losing Stones, who has been chameleonic for City in recent times, adapting to new midfield responsibilities after starting out as a central defender. 

He said: ‘That’s a blow. I was saying it was a perfect night for Guardiola. Clearly it’s not if he’s got another injury to pick up.

‘Stonesy has been different class. He just moves into that midfield position. I saw him a couple of times on the right wing! He’s added things to his game. He’s really comfortable. 

‘That’s a blow. There’ll be tougher tests for City, both domestically and in the Champions League, and injuries is the one thing that will worry Guardiola.’

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