Reports | Manchester City's injury list grows with John Stones out for a month

John Stones was ready to replace Aymeric Laporte as the main force in Pep Guardiola's defensive line, but bad luck has struck him once again. Stones picked up a significant injury that will make him miss more than a month, leaving Manchester City with Nicolás Otamendi and defensive midfielder Fernandinho to play as centre-backs. Stones was largely criticized due to recent performances, namely at Norwich, but even on poor form, the player could've been a huge help for the team.

However, Guardiola is facing this injury crisis with optimism, "It’s a big challenge. John went to make a pass in training and there was a problem with a muscle. It will be four or five or six weeks," Guardiola told reporters ahead of their Champions League game.

"For me as a manager, it is an incredible challenge. We’ve got just one centre defender in Nico – but I believe a lot in something people don’t know [about this team], which is the spirit and commitment and everyone must make a step forward to solve this problem we have. Sometimes these situations happen. It has happened and what we are not going to do is complain," the Spaniard further added.

They travel to Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk in what could prove to be a big challenge for Manchester City, as they look to start this year's competition on the right foot.