Pep Guardiola says that John Stones is “not close” to a Manchester City return due to a foot problem.
Stones has started three Premier League matches this season having been eased back into the team after being a key player with England at the European Championship in the summer.
The 30-year-old was withdrawn at half-time of City’s 4-0 defeat against Tottenham 10 days ago and Guardiola suggests he could be set for another extended spell out of the side.
“He’s not close, no,” the manager said at a press conference. “Still, he is injured – he has an injury to his feet. I don’t know (when he will be back) but, I would say, not next week.”
Guardiola, however, says that Kevin De Bruyne is closer to a return than ever following a groin problem that has troubled him since the middle of September.
“He is closer (to a return) and (has been) even better in the last few days,” he said.
Goalkeeper Ederson was dropped in favour of Stefan Ortega for the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.
Guardiola says the Brazil international has had a “really good” reaction to the switch and suggested Ortega could stay in goal for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night and beyond.
“Ederson is the number one, Stefan Ortega is the number two — maybe Ortega will continue. We’ll see tomorrow and the next games,” he said.
City take on Forest at the Etihad Stadium as they look to register their first win in eight matches, having lost six out of the past seven.
(Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
