‘I spoke to Rodri’ - John Stones reveals his positive chat with injured Man City star

John Stones has revealed he spoke to Rodri following his surgery on the recent ACL injury, and said his injured team-mate was in ‘good spirits’.

The Manchester City midfielder went under the knife in his native Spain on Friday to address the season-ending knee injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal the previous week.

The injury to one of City’s most important players has come as a hammer blow for the squad, with Guardiola facing numerous questions on the topic in recent press conferences and vowing to ‘find a solution’.

In the meantime, for Rodri, it’s a case of ensuring his recovery is a success and he returns to the pitch as soon as possible.

“[It was] difficult news for us all to take,” Stones said on Monday, when asked about his injured team-mate. “I actually spoke to Rodri yesterday and he's doing well, recovered well.

“It's sad. The standard he has set over the last season has been incredible. We know what a key player he is for us and we have to look forward to him coming back and coming back quickly with a speedy recovery.

“We know it will be a long time. But we have a lot of quality and a lot of players who are capable of filling in that position.

“He was in good spirits,” Stones added. “I think now he knows what’s happened, his process to get back is there. He’s come to terms with and seemed in good spirits which I’m glad about. We will check in - I think he’s in Spain with his family and he needs to take some time and relax and recover as best as he can.”

Stones was namechecked by Guardiola as one of the players who could possibly fill the void in midfield created by Rodri’s absence, and the England international was introduced as a no.6 in last month’s win over Ipswich Town.

He’s played as a defender pushing into midfield on several occasions in the past - most memorably in the 2023 Champions League final - and said he is ‘100 percent’ ready to start in midfield if called upon.

“I happened a lot over the last two years, going into midfield. It was different in the Champions League final, I was a bit higher up which was new for me and one that I enjoyed,” Stones explained, speaking at the press conference ahead of City’s Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava.

“I think that whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays in midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them from the manager, and hopefully can recreate those moments like the Champions League final.

“I love it [pushing into midfield]. It’s a totally different look on the game and appreciation of players that have played in there.”

After a long summer at Euro 2024 with England, Stones was granted an extended pre-season break and has been eased into the start of the new term. He’s started just twice across nine games for City and has played 136 minutes in their six Premier League matches.

The former Everton man admitted he would like to play more regularly, but knows his time will come during this mammoth season.

“I think we know how long this season will be and with the number of games we’re all going to have an important role during points of the season. I’ll be ready when called upon. We know much he [Guardiola] rotates the squad..”

“We always know we will get our chance and how important we are to the team. I think that’s why we have been so successful over the years, everyone has played a massive part in that success and played their role when called upon.

“For instance, I came on against Arsenal and end up scoring the [equalising] goal. That was my time to be ready, as other players have done the same. I wish I could play every game but we have an incredible squad and a very busy schedule.”