John Stones injury concern ahead of Liverpool test as Man City prepare for Anfield clash

John Stones is a doubt for Manchester City's Premier League trip to Anfield this Sunday after sustaining an injury concern during midweek training. Pep Guardiola provided an update on the England international's fitness yesterday, admitting the defender picked up a knock that could keep him sidelined for the key fixture. The Citizens endured a bruising Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, a result that has intensified the focus on squad fitness ahead of the Liverpool test. Stones has been a regular starter for City this season, and his absence would be a significant blow to Guardiola's defensive plans. The manager will assess the centre-back's recovery today in a bid to determine his availability for the trip to Merseyside.

Guardiola has a selection headache with the fitness of his defensive options. The Spaniard confirmed that several first-team players are carrying knocks, but refused to rule Stones out entirely. The England international featured heavily in the midweek defeat to Fleetwood, playing the full 90 minutes before being substituted late on as a precaution. Medical staff are monitoring his progress closely, and a final decision on his fitness will be made after today's training session. Liverpool will be hoping the injury concern keeps the defender out, while City will be desperate to have their star centre-back available.

Guardiola's injury update on the full-back options

The City boss also provided an update on the full-back situations, confirming that Jeremy Doku is nearing a return from his own minor issue. However, the focus remains on Stones, who has been instrumental in City's start to the campaign. Guardiola praised the defender's positioning and reading of the game earlier this season, but admits the knock picked up against Fleetwood is a concern. The manager will likely use today's press conference to give a clearer timeline on the defender's recovery.

Stones' season so far and the Liverpool test

The 29-year-old has contributed two goals and an assist from open play, and City have kept seven clean sheets in those appearances. Liverpool, currently sitting third in the table, will provide the ultimate test of City's defensive resilience this Sunday. A fitness test today will determine whether the England international can face his boyhood club, or if youngster Rico Lewis will be called upon to partner Dias at the back.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• John Stones is a doubt for Manchester City's Anfield trip after a midweek knock
• Pep Guardiola will assess the defender's fitness today ahead of the Liverpool fixture
• Stones has started 12 of City's 13 Premier League games this season
• The England international picked up the injury during the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town

Manchester City face a nervous wait over John Stones' fitness ahead of the Premier League showdown at Anfield this Sunday. The defender's availability will be a major talking point in the build-up to the clash with Liverpool, with Guardiola hoping to have his star centre-back fit for the key encounter.