Pep Guardiola confirmed that both John Stones and Kyle Walker will be missing for Manchester City’s crunch game against Arsenal this weekend. The pair were sent home from international duty early after picking up knocks, but the Catalan coach offered no comment on the role Gareth Southgate played in their injuries.
Speaking ahead of the Arsenal fixture, Guardiola revealed the duo would play no part in Sunday’s clash and offered up a coy response when asked about his opinion on the incident. He said: “It is what it is.”
Guardiola was pushed on whether England boss Southgate increased Stones’ chance of picking up an injury by starting him in both friendlies, but the 53-year-old was similarly tight-lipped. “I don’t comment on that situation,” claimed the City boss.
No timescale has been attached to either Walker or Stones’ return, with Guardiola saying: “For Kyle, it’s tougher than John, but I don’t know how many games they’ll be out for.”
