Medical expert issues ‘huge’ John Stones claim after official Man City announcement
Man City will be “hugely appreciative” that England sent John Stones home after a suspected muscle tweak.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Stones, 27, was due to play in the international friendly against Switzerland last Saturday (26 March) but withdrew in the warm-up.
England boss Gareth Southgate said that the centre-back “felt something” but did not go into further detail, per City’s media team after the match.
City then confirmed on Monday (28 March) that Stones had returned to the club as a “precaution”.
Dinnery suggests that the defender’s setback is only minor but that his club will be grateful that it has been sensibly managed.
“He trained with the group last Monday,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But ultimately, he didn’t feel 100 per cent with it. I think the correct decision has been made here.
“Man City will be hugely appreciative that he wasn’t risked unnecessarily. It might be best that he return to the club so that they can address the problem.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an injury as such. I think this is just a precaution. If assessments are inconclusive, sometimes you just have to listen to the player.
“Stones will have said there is something there he doesn’t feel happy about.
“Ultimately, you’ve got to listen to the player and take everything he’s said on board. That’s the way to do it.”
Stones has scored twice in 20 appearances this season.
It is unclear whether he will be available for City’s trip to Burnley on Saturday (2 April).
In other news, Raheem Sterling tipped to quit Man City for Euro giants after £80million report.