In a much-needed boost for Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations, Pep Guardiola has confirmed the imminent return of star defender John Stones. The English international has been sidelined with a foot injury since early November, missing crucial matches as City struggled to find their rhythm in Europe’s elite competition.
Stones’ Absence Felt as City Stumble
The 30-year-old centre-back’s absence has been keenly felt by the Cityzens, who have managed just two wins from their six Champions League fixtures thus far. Languishing in 22nd place with a mere eight points, City’s usually formidable defense has looked vulnerable without Stones’ commanding presence.
Prior to his injury, Stones had been in fine form, netting three goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. His partnership with Rúben Dias at the heart of defense had been a key factor in City’s success in recent seasons, including their triumphant 2023 Champions League campaign.
Guardiola: “John is Back”
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s crunch tie against Paris Saint-Germain, Guardiola could not hide his delight at having Stones available for selection once more:
“Ruben is back, John is back, and the people up front, they are coming back as well. Thanks for that, now game by game, let’s see what happens,” the Catalan manager told reporters.
“Step by step the players are coming back and hopefully we can be there in the Premier League and qualify here.”
Guardiola emphasized the importance of Stones’ return, acknowledging the defensive frailties that have plagued his side throughout the season:
“Today John came back to the team, that is incredibly good news for us. We can add to the position that we struggled a lot all season. We could not find our rhythm and the guys who have been with us, I could not demand (a faster return) from them as there was a fear of being injured.”
Crunch Tie Against PSG
City’s upcoming match against PSG takes on added significance given both teams’ underwhelming Champions League campaigns thus far. The French champions find themselves in an even more precarious position than their English counterparts, sitting 25th in the table with just seven points.
Despite the high stakes, Guardiola remains focused on the task at hand, refusing to be drawn into the narrative surrounding his friendship with PSG coach Luis Enrique:
“I want from the deepest of my heart a horrible performance from PSG tomorrow, so we can beat them, but it will be 95 minutes and afterwards the relation (with Luis Enrique) will return to how it always has been.”
A Season-Defining Period
With just two matches remaining in the Champions League group stage, City find themselves at a crossroads. A victory over PSG would go a long way in securing their passage to the knockout rounds, while a defeat could spell disaster for their European aspirations.
Guardiola, however, remains confident that his side can rise to the challenge, buoyed by the return of key players like Stones and Dias:
“We could not sustain the intensity that has defined in the past nine years but now hopefully we (can) do it. Now comes the toughest period of the season… the challenge is there, and we go for it.”
As Manchester City prepare to face PSG in a match that could define their season, the return of John Stones provides a timely boost to their defensive options. With Guardiola’s men slowly but surely regaining their full strength, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Champions League group stage.
Key Takeaways
- John Stones set to return from foot injury for Man City
- Stones’ absence keenly felt as City struggle in Champions League
- Pep Guardiola delighted to have Stones back for PSG clash
- City languishing in 22nd place with 8 points from 6 matches
- PSG also struggling, sitting 25th with 7 points
