Manchester City dealt injury setback ahead of Derby Clash

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be without defender John Stones for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

The 28-year-old missed City’s disappointing 2-0 defeat against Southampton in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, as he was not deemed fully fit to feature at St Mary’s.

Stones has secured a regular starting spot under Guardiola in recent weeks, starting each of their last six league games, more than any other City defender during this period.

Indeed, the Englishman has been in fine form for the Citizens since the World Cup break and put in a man-of-the-match display in their most recent Premier League outing against Chelsea, winning 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on January 5.

However, the centre-back is not fully fit and hasn’t recovered in time for Saturday’s clash. With Ruben Dias still sidelined, Guardiola has a decision to make over who to play in the heart of defence against Erik ten Hag’s side.

When asked about Stones’ availability in his pre-game press conference, he simply said: “(He’s) not ready.”

The former Barnsley and Everton man has had an impressive season so far and his absence will be a miss against an in-form United side. He has made 15 appearances in all competitions this term, 12 of which have come in the league.

Aymeric Laporte and Kyle Walker started as the centre-back pairing against the Saints but the latter was subbed off at half-time. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji both came off the bench at St Mary’s.