Pep Guardiola gives injury update on John Stones & describes Man City star as a ‘gift’ to coach

Pep Guardiola has revealed John Stones is not back in training yet as the Manchester City defender continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old sustained the problem when playing for England during the recent international break, and he last played for the Blues in 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 17 September.

It was hoped the centre-back was nearing a return to the team, especially with the World Cup approaching, but Guardiola has given a disappointing update and revealed he is not yet back working with his team-mates.

“He’s getting better, not training, hopefully he’ll come back and feel better,” the City boss revealed after the 4-0 victory against Southampton on Saturday.

The update leaves Guardiola with four fit centre-backs at present: Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. But Stones’ absence is also a blow at full-back, with the former Everton man often deputising at right-back, such as in recent wins over Wolves and Borussia Dortmund.

It was role handed to summer signing Akanji on Saturday, with the Swiss international regularly pushing inside to form a makeshift back three that allowed Joao Cancelo to advance frequently down the left-hand side.

Unlike some Guardiola signings, Akanji has adapted seamlessly to the demands and tactical set-up at City, and his manager described the 27-year-old as a ‘gift’ to work with.

“Yeah I thought he could [play at right-back],” Guardiola said on Saturday. “But there are players you have to explain 10 times, a player has to train 10 times there to do what you are thinking, what you want him to do. And this guy – we did just one training session and he got it.

“The movement you have to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn’t [practice] it once. And he did it perfectly. With the ball he’s a magnificent player. It proves again, intelligent people always pay off. Really good, Manu has made a huge impact since he arrived. Again the club made an incredible decision with him.

“When you are intelligent, I didn’t know him but you realise immediately,” Guardiola added. “I only had to tell him once and he knows it, the movement defensively at set-pieces. He did it perfectly. It’s a gift for a manager, a gift.”