STOPPING STONES
City’s injury-hit England defender desperate to make up for lost time on European return
JOHN STONES has opened up on his injury hell this season and admitted he is desperate to make up for last time.
Stones has featured in just half of Manchester City’s 16 games this season, two separate thigh injuries ruling him out of action for a month each time and sabotaging his season.
But the England defender, set for his first Champions League start of the term against Atalanta tonight, is desperate to stay fit for a prolonged period and prove his enduring value to City. “It’s been difficult getting injured,” said Stones. “It was difficult as it’s me out of the team, not being able to be there for the team and be selected by the manager.
“I’m trying to stay as fit and healthy as I can now and get a run of games, when called upon, to try and do my best for the team and for myself.
“I feel good again, I feel fit and I need to stay like this for as long as I can – for the rest of the season, hopefully.”
While Stones was out, and with fellow defender Aymeric Laporte still sidelined, City boss Pep Guardiola turned to midfield duo Fernandinho and Rodri to fill the void in central defence.
Stones praised the way the makeshift defenders had adapted to their new-found roles and said such versatility had enabled City to keep their season on track against the glut of injuries.
As well as Laporte, City are without winger Leroy Sane, who has been out since the start of the season, while Rodri, David Silva and Oleksandr Zinchenko are out. Phil Foden is suspended.
“I’ve been massively impressed with the likes of Fernandinho,” said Stones. “He’s played in numerous positions and played as if he’s played there his whole career.
“That’s the great mentality he’s got, the rest of the lads as well.
“If asked to play different positions, it’s never secondguessed – the lads are always doing it. That’s credit to them and it’s something people should look at and young kids especially: be inspired and take that upon themselves.
“It’s about helping the team and not putting yourself first sometimes and definitely, the likes of Fernandinho and Rodri have done that and exceeded in my opinion.
“We need to play for the players who are injured. We need to keep working hard every day in training and setting the standard for everyone.
“That’s what brought us success last season – how much we pushed each other as teammates, fighting for positions.
“We have to take responsibility as individuals and as a team.”