Could John Stones return to Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup tomorrow? The England international is one of Manchester City’s most important players and has returned to full training this week. Pep Guardiola informed the media pre-game that Stones was back training ahead of tomorrow’s game against Tottenham.
There is no doubting the importance of John Stones to Manchester City. The role he fulfils has become crucial to how the European champions play. While he has only played 6 games this season, it is evident how vital he is to City. His three starts in the Premier League this season came in wins over Brighton, Manchester United and Bournemouth. It was no coincidence that arguably the treble winners’ best performance of the season came in the Manchester derby came with Stones in the starting eleven. City beat Manchester United 3-nil with the England international at the heart of City’s domination at Old Trafford.
John Stones picked up an injury in the following game against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League. He was substituted at half-time of Pep Guardiola’s side’s 3-nil win at the Etihad. Initially, it was feared that Stones would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines but he returned to the Manchester City squad last weekend against Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola informed the media that he’d like the former Everton man to get in a block of training in before he returns to the City fold. Having returned to full training he could start against Tottenham tomorrow.
John Stones return could also see a return to form for Ruben Dias. The pair have formed a vital partnership in defence of the European champions. Dias is a better player with Stones in the lineup. Manual Akanji has done an admirable job in the Stones role in the England internationals absence.
Manchester City are a better team with Stones in the lineup. He is one of City’s most important players and attention will turn to Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven before City face Tottenham at the Etihad tomorrow.
