John Stones may not be out as long as feared as Ruben Dias returns to training

Originally posted on Esteemed Kompany | By Adam Marrett | Last updated 12/28/23

Manchester City are hopeful that John Stones ankle injury isn’t as serious as first feared. The defender was substituted just before half-time of City’s 3-1 win over Everton with an ankle injury. There was more positive news on the injury front with Ruben Dias returning to training after missing the win at Goodison Park due to illness.

Jack Gaughan reports for the Daily Mail that the world champions are hopeful that Stones avoided serious injury. He adds that they believe he may only miss weeks instead of months. Furthermore, Gaughan also reports that John Stones is set for tests on his injured ankle in the coming days. It has been a frustrating season for the England international as he’s only featured 13 times this season due to various injuries. He is now faced with another spell on the sidelines after Wednesday evening’s win over Everton.

There was positive news on Ruben Dias earlier today. The Portuguese international missed City’s win at Goodison Park due to illness. But in images shared on the Manchester City X account the defender was in full training today.

The boys! pic.twitter.com/gABK8aEGBS

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 28, 2023

It will be welcome news for Pep Guardiola and his side with Ruben Dias available for their next Premier League match against Sheffield United. The return of Dias does soften the blow somewhat of John Stones picking up another injury.

John Stones joins Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne as the only City players unavailable due to injury. An update is expected on Friday when Pep Guardiola faces the media in his pre-game press conference before they clash with the Blades at the Etihad.

This article first appeared on Esteemed Kompany and was syndicated with permission.

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