Manchester City defender has withdrawn from the England squad after his latest injury setback
England coach Thomas Tuchel has praised Manchester City centre-back John Stones and said he “hopes” the defender can overcome injury challenges and be available for England as the countdown continues for next year’s World Cup.
Stones has been forced to pull out of this month’s World Cup qualifiers after suffering an injury, costing him valuable game time with the England squad under the new manager.
“I’m a big fan of John, his personality and his quality” said Tuchel. “He could be an important figure, of course, but he needs to be available.
“He wants to be available and he’s a top professional, so he is the most upset in all this because he does really everything to be fit and struggles then with these minor issues from time to time that cost him game time.”
Stones had been in line to start against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, with Tuchel also considering deploying him in midfield during next Tuesday’s trip to Serbia. But the 31-year-old will play no part in either fixture after picking up what has been described as a minor problem.
The Manchester City defender has struggled with fitness issues for much of the past 18 months and has not featured for England since October last year. Despite the latest setback, however, Tuchel frustrated has backed the defender to return to the England squad as soon as possible.
“I hope he keeps his spirit up because he will stay important for us,” said Tuchel. “I saw in these three days what he what he means to the group as a personality and as a social glue within the group.
“What he brings to the pitch is outstanding quality as a central defender and possibly as a pivotal No 6.”
