Manchester City defender John Stones is in line to return for next weekend’s Premier League clash with Leicester City after missing Saturday’s draw at Burnley with a knee problem, manager Pep Guardiola said.
Stones, who missed last week’s 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion with illness, was rested for the match at Turf Moor with skipper Vincent Kompany returning from a calf injury and new recruit Aymeric Laporte available as defensive cover.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is handling Stones’ recovery. Photo: AFP
The England international has made 15 league appearances this season apart from featuring nine times in domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
“He (Stones) has a bit of a problem in the knee and I prefer for him to rest, to recover a bit,” Guardiola said.
“It is a little bit painful ... I decided not to use him, let him recover and come back better against Leicester and Basel.”
Guardiola with John Stones, Sergio Aguero and staff on the substitutes bench. Photo: Reuters
After the visit of eighth-placed Leicester, City return to Champions League action with a last 16 first leg clash at Swiss side Basel on February 13.
