Manchester City’s Injury Update: Stones and Dias Nearing Return
Manchester City’s assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, has shared the latest updates on two key defenders, John Stones and Ruben Dias, as both players are making progress in their recovery from recent injuries. Their potential return to action could provide a significant boost to the team as they navigate a challenging period with several other injured players.
Both Stones and Dias were absent during Manchester City’s impressive 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. While Stones was named among the substitutes, he did not see any playing time. Dias, on the other hand, has been out of action since being taken off during the Champions League match against Real Madrid on March 17, where City suffered a 2-1 defeat. He also missed the international break, not linking up with his national team.
Stones, meanwhile, withdrew from England duty after picking up a minor injury and has been on the bench for City’s last two matches, including the Carabao Cup final win on March 22. His most recent appearance came in the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle on March 7, where he played the full 90 minutes. The 31-year-old is now looking to prove his fitness in the coming months, with hopes of securing a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
With Pep Guardiola serving a touchline ban during the match against Liverpool, it was Lijnders who addressed the media. He provided reassurance that neither Dias nor Stones should face long-term absences.
“Ruben [Dias] got a knock [on Friday] in the last minutes of training,” Lijnders said. “We are assessing it. I think he had a scan again so we have to see. John [Stones], to be honest, I think he will not be long-term but he was not available [last Saturday].”
If both players are fit for City’s next game, which is against Chelsea in the Premier League this Sunday, it would be a welcome relief for Guardiola, who is already dealing with several other injuries in the squad. One of the most significant concerns is Josko Gvardiol, who has been out for a long time and hasn’t played since the league draw with Chelsea in January. Guardiola had previously expressed hope that Gvardiol would return before the end of the season, and the defender himself is working towards being ready for the 2026 World Cup with Croatia.
City has already secured the Carabao Cup this season and is now aiming to add the FA Cup to their collection. They will face Championship side Southampton in the next round of the competition. Additionally, they still have a chance to challenge for the Premier League title, though they currently trail Arsenal by nine points with eight matches remaining.
The team’s ability to recover key players like Stones and Dias will be crucial in their quest to achieve multiple trophies this season. With the right combination of fitness and form, Guardiola and his squad can continue to push for success across all competitions.
