John Stones Out vs. Wolverhampton

 John Stones Out vs. Wolverhampton

John Stones of Manchester City celebrates with the trophy after the victory during the UEFA Super Cup 2023 match between Manchester City FC and Sevilla FC at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on August 16, 2023 in Piraeus, Greece.(Image-Getty)

John Stones Set to Miss Manchester City's Clash with Wolverhampton, Pep Guardiola Confirms Possible Return Next Week

Manchester City's John Stones won't be available for their upcoming Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, according to manager Pep Guardiola. However, there's optimism that the English defender could make a return next week.

Stones has been sidelined since sustaining a muscle injury during the preseason. In addition to his absence, City will also be without midfielder Bernardo Silva, while Rodri serves a three-match suspension, and Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Guardiola provided an update on Stones' condition, stating, "He is better, much better. He feels really good, training alone but maybe next week or after Leipzig he will start."

Manchester City will face RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday before taking on Arsenal in the Premier League on October 8th.

Despite a recent League Cup loss to Newcastle United, Manchester City maintains a perfect record in the Premier League this season and is considered the favorite for a seventh consecutive league win. Guardiola emphasized that the team will not be adversely affected by the defeat, saying, "You win games you lose games. We were disappointed the day after but now we focus on the next one."

When asked if the Premier League was an easy competition for the league leaders, Guardiola responded with a touch of sarcasm, saying, "Normally all the games we play are easy. If we don’t win the Premier League by 10 points in November, it is a disaster."

Guardiola also expressed his "incredible respect" for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have already faced defeats at home against Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion and currently sit in 16th place with four points.

Regarding the competition for a place on the left wing between Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden, Guardiola emphasized that playing time would go to those who compete effectively, stating, "The guys who compete better will have more chances to play. It has always been like that."