‘Here we go again’, ‘It’s not that bad in Pep’s books’ – Man City fans react as Guardiola gives injury news on defenders

Pep Guardiola provided an update on John Stones and Nathan Ake ahead of Watford’s visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

John Stones came off for City against Brighton and needed ice to his hamstring before being replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko, while Ake was forced off at half time after limping towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.

But both are still under consideration for tomorrow, indicating that there is no serious issue.

Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday’s clash, Pep Guardiola says the decisions on the availability of John Stones and Nathan Ake will be taken tomorrow, ahead of the home game with Watford.

“John Stones has niggles, like Nathan Ake we leave until tomorrow and we see if they can play, ” Guardiola said.

The manager added that the Blues are not taking any extra measures to protect their players in a tough schedule. He said: “When you have three days between, the guys who didn’t play train normally, the other guys recover. We do the best we can, just be fresh in the heads and the legs.”

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“’Niggles’, here we go again.”
Credit: mcfcjabsV2

“”Niggles” means it’s not that bad in Pep’s books..”
Credit: @nwanneka_omeche

“When Pep says niggles it’s usually not that bad.”
Credit: @TeacherOfBall

“Stones back for Real Madrid then.”
Credit: @Hagmcfc

“Rest them both. Vital. Let Laporte, Dias, Zinny, and Cancelo handle it..”
Credit: @Trey308

“That means nothing serious so why are people freaking out.”
Credit: @citykevin

“Neither should play, Egan Riley or Mbete should start. I mean it is Watford .”
Credit: @mercutio447