John Stones limps off injured in Inter Milan win, casting

John Stones is a major doubt for England's upcoming internationals after limping off with a thigh injury during Inter Milan's dramatic 5-3 win over Udinese. The defender, making his first start for his new club, pulled up early in the second half, casting a shadow over his immediate availability for club and country.

The immediate concern is for Inter's top-of-the-table clash with Roma on Saturday night. Stones must now be considered a major doubt for that fixture. His injury also comes at a bad time for England boss Thomas Tuchel, who names his squad for a four-match international break on Friday. The timing is particularly cruel for the 32-year-old, who was just beginning his Serie A adventure after a high-profile summer move from Manchester City.

Inter's medical staff will assess the problem, but a thigh muscle issue typically requires a period of rest. The club will be desperate for positive news, as they aim to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Stones' injury was a key moment in a chaotic match where Inter came from two goals down for the second time this season. Udinese shocked the San Siro with James Abankwah's ninth-minute header and a 16th-minute strike from Jurgen Ekkelencamp. Cristian Chivu's men stormed back before the break, with Carlos Augusto and Nicolo Barella scoring to level the match.

Marcus Thuram put Inter ahead early in the second half, shortly before Stones' exit. Further strikes from Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny sealed a thrilling 5-3 victory before Idrissa Gueye grabbed a late consolation. The win keeps Inter, alongside Roma, as the only teams with a 100 per cent record in Serie A.

Thomas Tuchel faces an anxious wait. Stones has been a cornerstone of the England defence for years, and his potential absence would force a significant reshuffle just as the new cycle begins. The manager is set to confirm his squad selection on Friday, and this late fitness scare complicates his preparations. Tuchel will likely have contingency plans, but losing a player of Stones' experience and quality is never ideal.

England's upcoming fixtures represent an important step, and having a settled backline is a priority. Stones' leadership and ball-playing ability from defence are hard to replace. His absence would open the door for other centre-backs to stake their claim during the break.

Inter's resilience is becoming a trademark. This comeback followed a similar fightback against Napoli earlier in the month, proving they have the character for a title challenge. Roma remain their closest challengers after a 2-0 win at Torino, sealed by goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolo Pisilli.

Cesc Fabregas's Como moved to third with a 2-1 win over Parma, extending their own unbeaten start. The early table suggests a competitive season, with Inter showing they can win even when not at their defensive best. Their ability to score goals in bunches, netting five against Udinese, will be a key asset.

• John Stones suffered a thigh injury in his first Inter start, putting his England place in jeopardy.
• Inter Milan came from 2-0 down to win 5-3, maintaining their perfect Serie A record.
• England manager Thomas Tuchel names his squad on Friday for a four-match international break.
• Roma also have a 100% record, setting up a huge early-season clash with Inter this weekend.

Stones' injury is the dominant story, but Inter's fighting spirit ensures they head into a massive week with momentum, if not a fully fit squad. All eyes will be on the medical reports and Tuchel's squad list in the coming days.