Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, has confirmed that defender John Stones will not be fit to feature in the team’s upcoming match against Everton, set for tomorrow, Thursday, as part of the 18th round of the English Premier League.
Stones, 30, has missed six consecutive games for Manchester City across various competitions due to injury. He returned as a starter in their most recent match against Aston Villa in the 17th round of the Premier League.
Unfortunately, the English defender sustained another injury during that game, forcing him off early in the second half. As a result, he is once again unavailable for the “Citizens,” as Guardiola confirmed.
The Spanish manager stated, in remarks highlighted by the French website “Foot Mercato“: “I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet, but it seems that (Stones) won’t be ready, especially since he couldn’t continue into the second half at Villa Park.”
Stones has only appeared in 12 matches for Manchester City so far this season (2024-25), scoring three goals, according to data from the global website “Transfermarkt.”
Manchester City Faces a Results Crisis
Stones’ renewed absence is another blow to Manchester City, who are currently struggling with poor results. Over their last 12 games in all competitions, the team has suffered nine losses, two draws, and only one victory.
In the Premier League, City has failed to win their last three matches (two losses, one draw), leaving them in seventh place in the standings. The “Citizens” have accumulated 27 points from 17 matches (8 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses), trailing league leaders Liverpool by 12 points. Liverpool also has a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Everton sits in 15th place, just six spots above the relegation zone. They have collected 16 points from 16 matches (3 wins, 7 draws, 6 losses).
It is worth mentioning that the clash with Everton will be Manchester City’s second-to-last game of the year. The “Citizens” will wrap up their 2024 fixtures on Sunday, December 29, against Leicester City in the 19th round of the Premier League.
