Former City man Micah comes to defence of Stones

FORMER City defender Micah Richards has opened up on John Stones’ chances at his old club.

Stones was left out of City’s 20-man matchday squad for the first Premier League game back against Arsenal last week.

The former Everton man has fallen out of favour as he has been unable to maintain fitness or form for a sustained period. And Guardiola explained ahead of the Burnley game that injury has temporarily sidelined Stones, hence his omission from the Arsenal game.

“I forgot to tell you, after the second or third training session, he had a problem in his ankle and he is at the end of the part of his recovery. He was not available,” the manager said on his defender.

And while Richards feels sad for

Stones the way things have gone, he feels the City boss should have added a centre-back to his ranks last summer.

“He’s a good enough defender although he is not at the standard of Vincent Kompany,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday night.

“For playing out and the way City want to play, look at Ederson, his passing is up there with anyone in the league. The way he wanted to set-up, I really believe John Stones was a massive part of that.

“His performances have not been up to scratch and he would be the first person to admit that, but I generally think the way City want to play, I thought John Stones would be perfect for that role.

“I’m sad to see it because he is a great lad. He works hard, he doesn’t come out and make excuses when he’s made a mistake.”