Manchester City supporters have outlined their frustration after watching John Stones pick up a hamstring injury while playing for England.
Recalled to the starting XI against Germany by Gareth Southgate on Monday night after missing the Italy reverse due to suspension, Stones came in for City teammate Kyle Walker - who had only just recovered from a muscular problem himself. However, there was bad news to come for Stones.
Indeed, the 28-year-old only lasted 37 minutes before he had to be withdrawn. Incidentally, it was 'rested' Walker who was summoned from the substitutes bench by Southgate, despite pre-game concerns over match sharpness upon his return to top-level action.
Explaining team selection during his pre-match interview, Southgate said: "John [Stones] is fresh, but Kyle [Walker] has been out for a while, so we felt it made sense to freshen that up."
Walker earned his 70th international cap when welcomed onto the pitch beneath the famous arch, but supporters were unable to enjoy that mini-milestone after watching his City teammate pull up. Stones has been a shining light for Pep Guardiola in recent games while he has been deputising for Walker at right-back.
But there is now every chance the former Everton defender will miss the impending Manchester derby – much to the frustration of fans.
Upon their return to Premier League duty on Sunday afternoon (2pm), Guardiola and his star-studded team are set to take on neighbours Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium with bragging rights on the line. However, another injury blow has left City supporters feeling understandably bitter.
Here are a selection of comments as taken from Twitter in response to the Stones injury:
Source: m.allfootballapp.com