Man City: Pep Guardiola delivers John Stones injury update and latest team news ahead of Everton clash | OneFootball

Injuries continue to pile up for the crisis-stricken reigning Premier League champions

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he doesn’t expect John Stones to feature against former club Everton on Boxing Day.

The England defender has only just returned to action after missing six games across all competitions with a foot injury sustained in the Carabao Cup fourth round defeat by Tottenham at the end of October.

An unused substitute in the recent Manchester derby loss, Stones started against Aston Villa at the weekend but was replaced at half-time as City slumped to yet another defeat.

And now ahead of City’s clash against Everton on Thursday, the Spaniard revealed his doubts over Stones’ availability.

"I don't know, if he can't continue in the second half at Villa Park then maybe he won't be available,” Guardiola told reporters.

Doubt: John Stones lasted just 45 minutes on his Manchester City return against Aston Villa

AFP via Getty Images

City welcome an Everton side that have kept five clean sheets in their last six games and held Arsenal as well as Chelsea to goalless draws to the Etihad Stadium, and Guardiola is not exactly looking forward to the upcoming test.

"They are not the perfect opponent,” he said. “It is about us to come back to our best. It will take time. We have to get results as quickly as possible.

“We are facing Everton and they are in a good moment, their results and performances show it."