Fitness will dictate the future of a Manchester City defender | OneFootball

When John Stones is fully fit, he is one player who plays a key role for Manchester City and for England. It is hard to think of another centre-back in the Premier League that has the attributes that Stones possesses. The England international, when fully fit, is one of the premier centre-backs in the Premier League. His ability to drift into midfield when City has possession makes him a weapon for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The problem for John Stones is his endless battles with injury. John Stones’ contract expires at the end of this season. If he can fit and be a key player for his team this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Manchester City offer a contract extension. It appears that Stones’ fitness will dictate whether or not he remains at City for next season.

Pep Guardiola wouldn’t comment on John Stones’ contract situation, but he knows the quality Stones has as a player.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday, Pep Guardiola was asked about John Stones’ contract situation. Guardiola shot that question down, but he did tell the media about the quality Stones has as a player. Guardiola added that staying on the pitch is the issue for Stones. Speaking on John Stones, Pep Guardiola said: “Don’t ask me about that. (John Stones’ contract situation)

“The club will decide what is best for John [and we will] see how he performs.”

“When John is fit, he’s part of the starting XI, but he’s not had the consistency with games. We’ll have to wait and see.”

If John Stones can stay fit this season, it is easy to see Manchester City extending his contract.

As mentioned above and by Pep Guardiola, there is a key role for John Stones to play at Manchester City this season. The England international is a unicorn-type of centre-back, which makes him invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s side. If Stones stays fit, he’ll be a regular first-team player at City. If he does exactly that, it’s easy to see City extending John Stones’ contract.

If injuries continue to hit the England international, the curtain may fall on Stones’ City career. That is the reality of the situation. John Stones did get through two matches unscathed for England during the recent international break. Perhaps the worm has turned in regards to Stones fitness issues. If it has he’ll play a key role to play for his club and country this season. Whether or not that happens depends entirely on John Stones’ body. His fitness will also likely dictate his future at Manchester City.