“I want him to be fit” – Pep Guardiola admits injuries have held John Stones back at Manchester City

Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov have played in central defence for Manchester City largely during their purple patch since March, with Dias nursing a hamstring injury and Gvardiol also not fullt fit yet. Nathan Ake remains available and starred in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal in March.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final with Southampton at Wembley, Guardiola was asked whether Stones is in line to feature for the Blues on Saturday evening. “It depends on the manager. That’s for sure,” the 55-year-old said.

Asked whether Guardiola can give a further clue on Stones’ chances of selection, the Manchester City manager added: “Yeah, definitely, I’ll call you later,” in a characteristically sarcastic tone.

Pep: Stones’ injuries have limited him at Man City

Stones is Guardiola’s longest-serving player at the Etihad Stadium and the pair share a great relationship on and off the pitch, though the latter was honest in admitting that the former’s injury record has prevented him from realising his best potential in Manchester.

“Yeah, 10 years together. Always I cannot judge his performance because he’s been a little bit out. That is the only problem. I don’t have any doubts with John. It’s just when he can get back his level, he is a top central defender,” Guardiola said on disappointment around Stones’ fitness over the years.

“There’s no doubt. But yeah, we said, only I want is him to be fit. Unfortunately, like last season, (he) was a lot of time (out) and would not be possible. But we still have tomorrow (FA Cup semi-final), we have five, potentially six (games to go this season) and he’s a lovely, incredible teammate. And yeah, we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”

With Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva leaving the club this summer, Stones is also set to follow his Portuguese friend through the exit door as there is no hope of the Blues offering the Englishman a contract renewal beyond June.

Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Southampton (FA Cup Semi-Final)

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Asked further why minutes have been hard to come for Stones since December 2025, Guardiola added: “He has been injured many times. Now he’s back and now Khusa (Abdukodir Khusanov) and Marc (Guehi) are playing incredibly well.

“Nathan (Ake) in the final of the Carabao (Cup) played outstanding and since then played five minutes. It cannot be more unfair with Nathan but they have to compete. Both central defenders are exceptional.

“Khusa is, what can I say, and Marc the same. He (Stones) has been injured and he’s coming back. The important (thing) is in two weeks or three weeks, he’s already training full and well and this is the best news.”

Stones was on the bench for Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Burnley in midweek as the Blues went top of the Premier League, with the England international expected to retain a place among the substitutes at Wembley.

Guardiola backs Stones for England FIFA World Cup spot

It is anyone’s guess whether Tuchel will trust Stones’ experience and know-how and look past his worrying injury record whe the German names his travelling squad for the FIFA World Cup.

Asked whether Tuchel is still counting on Stones for the World Cup, Guardiola added: “I hope so.” On if the Englishman can play consecutive games, the Manchester City manager said: “Definitely. Definitely.”

Stones will be desperate to get on the pitch for Manchester City between now and the end of the season as the Blues look to go on a perfect winning run and pull off a second domestic treble under Guardiola.