“Everyone else is fit,” Guardiola says of Manchester City’s 28-year-old star, who will miss the derby against Manchester United.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has ruled John Stones out of Saturday’s derby against Manchester United (January 14). He told reporters that the only omission is the English defender.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester derby, Guardiola stated, “( “Style) is not yet ready. Everyone else seemed to be in good shape.”
Stones was conspicuously absent from City’s 2-0 defeat to Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday (January 11). He has been in excellent form for both club and country this season.
The English center-back has appeared on 15 occasions, scoring one goal, assisting on two others, and helping Guardiola’s team retain six clean sheets.
sheets. He played in all five games for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Guardiola described Stones as a wonderful player following his performance in the team’s 1-0 league victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 5 (via TribalFootball):
“He had an outstanding World Cup performance. When I arrived seven years ago, he was either my first or second signing. I’m fairly familiar with him. I know what a player he is when he is stable at home, here (in his brain), and happy.”
As a result, Stones’ absence will be felt, with Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Aymeric Laporte serving as the Cityzens’ alternative centre-back options. They will try to recover from their midweek Carabao Cup exit.
Manchester City will play a Manchester United side that has been on a roll since Guardiola’s 6-3 victory earlier this season. They are only four points behind City (39) in second place.
Guardiola of Manchester City on Manchester United’s title chances With a win on Saturday, Manchester United will be one point behind City. Erik ten Hag’s team have only lost once since losing 6-3 at the Etihad on October
Guardiola isn’t surprised that Manchester United is closing up on Manchester City and Arsenal. According to him (via the aforementioned source), it is usual for the Old Trafford outfit to compete among the elite sides:
“It’s Manchester United. They were close with Ole. What has happened in prior seasons, I’m not sure what occurs. It’s usual that United is present. Still fighting there. Nobody promised they’d be there; they’re there because they have to. It comes as no surprise to me. That is why this competition is so challenging.” Manchester United is the only English club still competing in four leagues. A victory over Manchester City would be a significant statement of intent.
“Everyone else is fit,” Guardiola says of Manchester City’s 28-year-old star, who will miss the derby against Manchester United.
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