John Stones blow dampens Manchester City joy at Champions League progress

Manchester City defender John Stones is going through a lay-off after struggling an damage within the holders’ Champions League stroll towards Young Boys on Tuesday.

The England worldwide was withdrawn at half-time at the Etihad Stadium.

Manager Pep Guardiola described the lack of Stones because the “deep bad news” from an evening when City secured their place within the final 16 for an eleventh successive 12 months with an in any other case easy 3-0 win.

Through to the #UCL knockouts for the eleventh season in a row! pic.twitter.com/1UDOtXQgYq

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 7, 2023

Guardiola stated: “It’s muscular, he’s injured, so he’ll be some time out. It is a pity for him as a result of he’s an unbelievable skilled.

“He tried to do it but it’s bad news for us. It’s the deep bad news for tonight.”

The information is an additional blow for Stones, who has already missed two months of the season with a hamstring drawback.

Fellow defender Manuel Akanji additionally missed the sport after a blow to the again in coaching however, regardless of wanting “75 years old” in Guardiola’s phrases, the supervisor added “hopefully it will not be a big issue and he could be ready for Sunday”.

One participant apparently untroubled was Erling Haaland, who made mild of the ankle drawback that curtailed him on Saturday to attain two of City’s objectives in a one-sided encounter with the Swiss champions.

Phil Foden additionally bought on the scoresheet as City received their fourth Group G sport in succession to safe progress with two video games to spare.

Guardiola stated of Haaland, who was substituted on the hour: “Yesterday we noticed how he moved and the way comfortable he was and he felt good. I stated, OK and for us he’s so vital.

“After the job was almost done, he took a rest for (the game against Chelsea on) Sunday.”

Guardiola was happy together with his facet’s achievement however, with RB Leipzig three factors behind, maintained he wouldn’t ease up till high spot within the group was secured.

He stated: “We’ve already certified however nonetheless the job isn’t completed as a result of we’ve got to complete first. It’s higher to have the second leg within the final 16 at residence than away as a result of at residence we really feel assured.

“Still you have a job to do but the first step is done and I’m really impressed.”

It was a depressing night time for Young Boys, who ended the sport with 10 males after Sandro Lauper was despatched off for a second bookable offence.

Coach Raphael Wicky stated: “We’re clearly not comfortable. We’re not proud of the efficiency we’ve made however we all know it’s very troublesome to get one thing right here.

“We knew if we need to get some extent or a win, we would have liked to have the right sport.

“I saw some good stuff in the first half but it’s very difficult to defend against Man City. They always have chances.”