John Stones issues four-word answer on injury ahead of Manchester City’s Arsenal clash

Manchester City’s John Stones has issued his first response to questions on his latest injury setback whilst leaving Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old was withdrawn inside the opening 10 minutes of England’s international friendly meeting with Belgium at the national stadium, sustaining what has now been confirmed to be an adductor problem.

It is the latest in a troublesome season for Manchester City’s defensive and midfield mainstay, and comes at a time when Pep Guardiola will almost certainly be wanting to call on a player who emerged as being crucial in their Treble success last campaign.

While little has been completed in the way of formal assessments on the injury, John Stones himself has offered a first insight into the problem and how he is feeling about the setback whilst leaving England’s contest on Tuesday night.

Speaking briefly whilst exiting Wembley through the mixed zone containing global media, John Stones issued a four-word response when questioned on his injury setback sustained in the opening 10 minutes of the 2-2 draw with Belgium.

“I’m not sure yet,” Stones said as he left the national stadium, appearing to walk without too much problem, and also unassisted or protected by medical equipment.

Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a Premier League contest that could have significant ramifications on the remainder of the English top-flight title race this season.

City and Arsenal are largely competing with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for the Premier League crown during the second-half of the season, and no side can afford too many setbacks between now and the end of the season.

Manchester City are hoping to claim the Premier League title for a fourth consecutive season, but are also aiming to retain their Treble success by winning the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in back-to-back seasons as well.

Medical professionals from the City Football Academy are likely to conduct further assessments on John Stones upon his return to the north-west on Wednesday, alongside the likes of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, and Matheus Nunes.