IMAGINE telling a Manchester City fan 12 months ago that they would have a fully-fit John Stones available for a run of must-win games to secure the Premier League title and Pep Guardiola would choose to leave him out.
When Stones conducted the midfield in the Champions League final 11 months ago, it would seem unthinkable that he wouldn't be the first name on the teamsheet whenever possible for the current campaign. But a mix of injuries and fitness setbacks have disrupted his season, restricting him to just 27 appearances this term.
He has started just one of the last seven games, failing to complete 90 minutes since the away trip to Real Madrid.
He has played just 76 minutes of a possible 660, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake becoming regulars in his place and Josko Gvardiol impressing at left-back.
Akanji has started 18 of the last 20 fixtures.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 13, 2024-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 13, 2024-Ausgabe von Manchester Evening News.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
How To Solve A Problem Like Pep!
CITY CHIEF ON GUARDIOLA LEAVING
Burrow tributes planned for final
Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Warrington will kick-off at 3.07pm in honour of former Leeds Rhinos scrum-half Rob Burrow.
HERE'S JONNY! EVANS IN LINE FOR A NEW DEAL
UNITED are in talks with veterans Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans over-extending their stays at the club beyond this summer, but they have confirmed the departure of three first-team players.
United look for a new U21 coach as Tom leaves club
UNITED are exploring options to appoint another senior professional to the role of player and coach in their under-21s set-up after hailing the innovation as a success.
Bru must be joking! United will listen to offers for Fernandes to raise transfer cash
SKIPPER WANTS PARITY WITH HIGHEST EARNERS AT CLUB
CITY SUE LEAGUE - All your questions answered as club launches legal action
CITY, who last month won a fourth successive Premier League title, are suing the league over its financial rules, the Times reported on Tuesday night.
Madrid would love to Alv City striker
ATLETICO Madrid have reportedly made Julian Alvarez one of their main targets this summer and hope to lure him to the Spanish capital with the offer of guaranteed game time.
De Bruyne looks certain to get what he wants - with City or elsewhere
OPEN to everything. Of all the words that Kevin De Bruyne spoke about his future, these should stick out to City.
Injured Djokovic is 'out of Wimbledon'
NOVAK Djokovic is to undergo knee surgery in Paris which will rule him out of Wimbledon, according to reports in France.
Airport hotel plan could create more than 150 new jobs
DAKOTA WANTS TO BUILD NEW LUXURY HOSPITALITY SITE WITH 154 BEDROOMS TO OPEN BY 2026
