John Stones recalled to Manchester City by Pep Guardiola after England calf injury

Manchester City defender John Stones has been recalled to the club’s training complex after sustaining a calf injury while on England duty, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.

The 31-year-old centre-half felt discomfort in the build-up to England’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay at Wembley and was ultimately left as an unused substitute. Rather than remain with Thomas Tuchel’s squad, Stones has returned to Manchester for detailed medical assessments, according to Mail Sport journalist Jack Gaughan.

The setback is the latest in a succession of fitness issues for the former Everton man, who has managed only 968 competitive minutes for City this season across 17 appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups. Injuries have restricted him to seven league starts and four European outings, a dramatic drop from the form that helped City claim a historic treble in 2022-23 and earned him man-of-the-match honours in the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan.

Stones’ future at the Etihad has been the subject of increasing speculation. Out of contract in June, he has yet to receive an extension offer from sporting director Hugo Viana, and no negotiations are understood to be taking place. Should talks remain stalled, the Barnsley-born defender will depart after eight trophy-laden seasons that have yielded six Premier League crowns and a maiden European Cup, achievements that place him among the club’s greatest ever defenders.

City have already begun planning for life without Stones. January signing Marc Guehi has been integrated into the squad, while teenage talents Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have emerged as long-term options; Reis is currently gaining senior experience on loan in Spain, and Max Alleyne has been recalled from his temporary spell at Watford to bolster depth. Guardiola is known to admire Stones’ technical qualities, yet recent public comments suggest the club will adopt a pragmatic stance when determining whether to retain the injury-plagued veteran.

While Stones heads back to Manchester, England colleague Phil Foden has not been recalled despite limping off in the same Uruguay contest following a robust challenge from Ronald Araujo that drew widespread criticism. Foden’s ankle issue is being monitored separately by the national medical staff.

City, fresh from lifting the Carabao Cup, resume their pursuit of a domestic treble with an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on 4 April, followed by pivotal league meetings with Chelsea and Arsenal. Guardiola’s side currently sit well-stocked in central defence, ensuring they can absorb Stones’ absence as they enter the season-defining stretch.