Pep Guardiola has told John Stones he needs him on the pitch in Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash with Bruges. The England defender has made only eight starts for Manchester City this season in an injury-hit campaign and not completed 90 minutes since October.

John Stones was Manchester City's best player when they won the Champions League final against Inter Milan in 2023. Can his return save them from league-phase elimination against Club Brugge?

Stones shone in the Treble success by transforming into a dependable solution in defensive midfield, largely alongside Rodri, however with the injury sustained by the Spaniard, Guardiola believes it rules out the idea of the England centre-back returning to the role this season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named a 21-man squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was reluctant to consider the impact of an early Champions League exit, as he admits that his side have simply not been good enough.A Club Brugge side who City

Last week a report from Paul Hirst for The Times suggested that John Stones or Manuel Akanji could be tried in midfield for Manchester City. So far Pep Guardiola’s side are yet to sign a midfielder

Nathan Ake, another vital cog in the City machine, missed the recent triumph over Ipswich due to an unspecified issue. The absence of a clear update post-match leaves his return date up in the air, creating a shroud of uncertainty over his immediate contribution to the team’s defensive line.

This is a different City that Stones is walking into on Wednesday night for the do-or-die Champions League clash with Club Brugge.

Manchester City's defence will be strengthened by the return of John Stones, manager Pep Guardiola said, as they get ready to resume their Champions League campaign at Paris St Germain on Wednesday.

Manchester City's defence will be strengthened by the return of John Stones, manager Pep Guardiola said, as they get ready to resume their Champions League campaign at Paris St Germain on Wednesday.

With both Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake still sidelined with injury, and John Stones lacking in the necessary match fitness to last 90 minutes of football at present, the decision was taken to entrust Khusanov with a high-profile clash against Enzo Maresca’s side.

Manchester City bounced back after conceding an early goal to beat Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday, sparing the blushes of their debutant defender Abdukodir Khusanov whose error gifted the visitors the lead at the Etihad Stadium.