“Pep Guardiola Reveals Major Blow for Man City After Aston Villa Defeat”

“Pep Guardiola Announces Major Setback for Man City Following Aston Villa Loss”

The City manager confirmed the update during his post-match interview.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City have suffered another injury setback following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Guardiola, 53, watched as his team fell behind by two goals, courtesy of Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers, before Phil Foden scored in the 93rd minute to net his first Premier League goal of the season.

The loss saw City drop to sixth place as their tough run of form continues, with just one win in their last 12 matches across all competitions.

However, it wasn’t just the result that will leave fans disappointed.

At half-time, 30-year-old centre-back John Stones was substituted and replaced by Kyle Walker. Fans quickly speculated that he may have aggravated a previous foot injury.

After the match, Guardiola confirmed the news in an interview with TNT Sports.

When asked by Jules Breach, “What was the reason John Stones could not continue, was it the recurrence of a previous injury?” Guardiola responded, “Yes.”

Stones has played in only eight league games this season, struggling to maintain match fitness due to a series of injury setbacks.

City’s squad has been heavily impacted by several high-profile injuries this season. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is still sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.

Kevin De Bruyne missed over a month, from September to late October, due to a hamstring injury and has struggled to make a significant impact since his return to fitness. Meanwhile, young talent Oscar Bobb also remains unavailable.

On Friday, Guardiola revealed that Stones’ fellow centre-back, Ruben Dias, had also sustained a “muscular” injury.

“He’s out for a long time,” Guardiola said.

“Three or four weeks – it’s a muscular issue. He played 75 minutes against United and felt something, but he’s so strong that he stayed on the pitch and is now injured.”

One of City’s other central defenders, Nathan Ake, was an unused substitute at Villa Park, while Manuel Akanji has returned to training.

“Manuel has been back in training for the last two days,” Guardiola said on Friday.

“The more that come back, the better. The guys are ready,” Guardiola added.