Pep Guardiola Confirms John Stones Will Miss 8-10 Weeks but Avoids Surgery

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defender John Stones will not require surgery for his recent thigh injury. Stones is expected to be sidelined for approximately 8 to 10 weeks as he undergoes rehabilitation.

This update comes after initial concerns that the injury, sustained during the Champions League match against Real Madrid, might necessitate surgical intervention. Guardiola stated, "No, no surgery. No. He can be recovered during eight to 10 weeks without surgery." 

Stones' absence adds to Manchester City's defensive challenges, with fellow centre-back Manuel Akanji also out for an extended period following surgery for a thigh injury. These injuries have prompted Guardiola to consider adjustments to the squad, especially given the congested fixture schedule. He expressed concerns about the physical toll on players, noting, "Some of [the players] cannot sustain playing every three days." 

In addition to defensive concerns, striker Erling Haaland's availability remains uncertain due to a knee injury. Haaland missed recent matches against Real Madrid and Liverpool, and his participation in upcoming fixtures is yet to be determined. Guardiola commented on Haaland's condition, stating, "I don't know yet. We will know tomorrow. It's better to have Erling on the pitch – of course with Erling we are stronger."