Stones reflects on his 'dark days' of injury trouble

JOHN STONES admits there were times he doubted if his career would resume amid a series of injury problems over the past two years.

- By ANDY HAMPSON

The Manchester City and England centre-back made only six Premier League starts in the 2024-25 season after thigh, foot and other undisclosed issues.

That came after he also missed two months at the start of the previous campaign with a hip injury.

These setbacks have prevented the 31-year-old building on what was an outstanding season in 2022-23 when, playing a hybrid defence-midfield role, he helped City win the treble.

Stones said: "Yes, there have been points where you think: you've been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and... those are the dark days.