🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Confirmed from Etihad, Another Man City’s best player will miss the big match against Liverpool on Sunday!

Manchester City could face yet another challenge ahead of their crucial clash with Liverpool next Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side, currently in a slump with five consecutive defeats across all competitions, were most recently humbled 4-0 at home by Tottenham. The result leaves them eight points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, adding pressure to their upcoming trip to Anfield.

The absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, sidelined for the season with an ACL injury, has significantly weakened City. Now, they could be without another key player for the top-of-the-table encounter.

Potential Injury Blow for John Stones

According to the Liverpool Echo, John Stones may be doubtful for Sunday’s game after missing training ahead of City’s Champions League match against Feyenoord. The England defender was substituted at halftime during the weekend defeat to Spurs, raising concerns over his fitness. Guardiola will be anxiously monitoring the 30-year-old’s condition during this pivotal week.

City’s growing injury list already includes Oskar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic. However, the returns of Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku to training offer some relief after they missed the heavy loss to Tottenham.

Impact of Stones’ Potential Absence

While it remains unclear if Stones will miss the Liverpool clash, his absence from recent training sessions has sparked speculation. Despite primarily playing as a centre-back, Stones is City’s joint-second top scorer this season with three goals, surpassing attacking talents like Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku (Transfermarkt).

If Stones is unavailable, Guardiola will lose not only a defensive mainstay but also a valuable weapon in set-piece situations. With Liverpool looming, the Spaniard will be desperate for the defender to recover in time for Sunday’s high-stakes showdown.

Both Teams Grapple with Injuries

Liverpool, too, are dealing with their own injury issues, meaning both sides will likely be missing key players when they meet at Anfield. Despite the rivalry, no one wants to see players sidelined due to injuries. Hopefully, whatever is troubling Stones isn’t serious, and he can return to action soon.

As the countdown to Sunday continues, both managers face significant challenges in preparing their squads for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.