Manchester City are currently focusing on the FIFA Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola has gone through a tough season where he failed to win any silverware, so he is keen to turn that around in this tournament.
The Cityzens have also received a major boost in defence with the news of John Stones’ return to action following his long injury hiatus. The Englishman has been sidelined since February with a lot of physical issues.
Stones only started six Premier League games for City in the 2024/25 campaign due to persistent injury problems. It was a mentally and physically challenging period on the sidelines for the 31-year-old as he faced issues with his foot and thigh.
These issues came after he took a two-month break due to his hip injury, which majorly affected his 2023/24 season. However, he still showed his calibre in the 2022/23 campaign when he was greatly consistent for City as they won the treble.
He recently addressed the media and opened up about his injury issues and how he endured some of his darkest days in his road to recovery.
“Yes, there have been points where you think: you’ve been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and… those are the dark days,” Stones shared.
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“I think everyone’s been through them and thinks, ‘Why is this happening?’ You wish it would go a different path. It’s self-doubt, a lot of things.
“It is frustrating for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally.
“I have had some very low points in the past season. I just have to (try to) come back but, once you come over those things, you can’t really see the end of the tunnel when they keep happening.
“All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations – was it fight or was it give up?
“I was a fighter from a young age. In difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.”
When will John Stones return to action?
Stones is still not ready to start City’s second group game against Al-Ain this Sunday. After winning the opening fixture 2-0 against Wydad AC, Guardiola’s men will look to continue their winning run.
“I feel great and I’m excited to get going,” he said. “It’s difficult when you’re injured, you almost work longer and more, so from that aspect I know the guys mentally and physically have had such a long season, [but] I suppose mentally for me it’s been difficult dealing with the injuries and the process,” Stones added.
“Now I’ve put that behind me and will use this as a mini-introduction back before the new season and another trophy for us to hopefully win and get some game-time.”
Given the seriousness of his injury, there’s a possibility that Stones would be eased into action with small spells in the second half in the next few matches of the Club World Cup so that he is ready at the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
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