IMAGINE telling a Manchester City fan 12 months ago that they would have a fully-fit John Stones available for a run of must-win games to secure the Premier League title and Pep Guardiola would choose to leave him out.
When Stones conducted the midfield in the Champions League final 11 months ago, it would seem unthinkable that he wouldn't be the first name on the teamsheet whenever possible for the current campaign. But a mix of injuries and fitness setbacks have disrupted his season, restricting him to just 27 appearances this term.
He has started just one of the last seven games, failing to complete 90 minutes since the away trip to Real Madrid.
He has played just 76 minutes of a possible 660, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake becoming regulars in his place and Josko Gvardiol impressing at left-back.
Akanji has started 18 of the last 20 fixtures.
Esta historia es de la edición May 13, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 13, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
REDS ON THE BALL FOR UPCOMING CUP GAMES
BRITISH football brand Mitre, the official ball supplier of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup, has unveiled limited-edition winners' balls for the first time.
Untouchable no more... everyone now has a price
UNITED no longer regard any squad member as 'untouchable' as they prepare for yet another rebuild.
MAINOO 'WANTS TO STAY AT HIS BOYHOOD CLUB'
UNITED youngster Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at his boyhood club after reports linking him with a transfer away.
Let's be Frank, United are told it's a no-go for target Mbeumo
UNITED have been sent a clear Bryan Mbeumo transfer message with a major opportunity on the horizon.
Klopp made late play to nab Sof from Erik's Reds
SOFYAN Amrabat could have made the move to rivals Liverpool over United in 2023 after his agent arranged a covert meeting with then-boss Jurgen Klopp.
Rash reality bites as wage and dip in form make striker difficult to move on
IF United thought that it would be easy to get Marcus Rashford off the books in January - or indeed in the summer - then they may well view things differently now.
How a chat with Pep defined City kid's career
IT'S an open conversation in the City academy that the end goal is almost impossible.
DUO SING PRAISES OF MANAGER'S 'INTENSITY'
LISANDRO Martinez has complimented Ruben Amorim for his 'intensity' and Rasmus Hojlund agrees that you can see the 'passion and fight' inside United's head coach.
AMAD'S NEW DEAL 'ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK'
UNITED could announce Amad's new contract by the end of this week. United head coach Ruben Amorim said on Friday the club is 'close' to finalising a renewal for Amad. Sources say there are no complications with the 22-year-old's new terms and that the club is preparing for the announcement.
Chef cooks his way on to award shortlist
A GREATER Manchester restaurant has been shortlisted for a prestigious food award.
