John Stones goes off injured minutes into England’s clash with Belgium just days before Man City face Arsenal in a title clash… as Gareth Southgate defends decision to start him again

Manchester City have suffered another blow days before their crunch showdown with Arsenal after John Stones went off injured 10 minutes into England’s friendly against Belgium.

City host table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday in a match which could be pivotal in deciding who wins the Premier League title.

Stones was able to walk off as he headed down the tunnel but Pep Guardiola will still be concerned about the fitness of his defender five days out from the visit of the Gunners. 

The 29-year-old played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil, but was not able to play a significant part in Tuesday’s game at Wembley and was replaced by Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.

After the 2-2 draw with Belgium, England boss Gareth Southgate insisted it wasn’t a risk to start Stones in both games.

He said: ’It wasn’t a risk playing him in the two matches. 

‘We are disappointed if he was got a problem – but its not an overload problem. I hate sending players to their clubs if they are not fully fit.’ 

Channel 4 reporter Kelly Somers noted that Stones ‘appeared to be walking OK’ as he emerged to sit on the England bench for the second half of the game, although more analysis will undoubtedly be required by the club in the coming days.

City were handed a boost with Kyle Walker avoiding a serious hamstring injury during the Brazil game, with Guardiola‘s side ‘hopeful’ that he would be fit for the game against Arsenal.

Stones’ possible injury is the latest blow to Guardiola and City ahead of Sunday’s meeting between the reigning champions, who are third, and Mikel Arteta’s men. 

Goalkeeper Ederson missed international duty with Brazil after sustaining a thigh injury during Man City’s game against Liverpool, while Kevin De Bruyne was similarly ruled out of Belgium’s games with a ‘problem on the groin’. 

City may also be sweating on the fitness of Manuel Akanji, who has suffered an injury while on international duty with Switzerland.

Arsenal have 64 points, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, with Guardiola’s side just a point behind the two heading into Sunday’s huge clash.

Stones played all 90 minutes against Brazil, but was forced to head off early against Belgium

Stones signalled that he felt something after playing an awkward pass during the friendly

Man City face a daunting schedule over the coming weeks, with eight matches penned in for April, including their Champions League quarter-final matches with Real Madrid home and away, and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

However, the injury woes for Guardiola’s side may play a part in their success during those games.