Stones could require surgery on thigh injury

John Stones has made 20 appearances for Manchester City in the 2024-25 season

Manchester City defender John Stones faces an extended period out with a thigh injury and could require surgery, says manager Pep Guardiola.

England centre-back Stones, 30, had to be replaced after just eight minutes as City exited the Champions League against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

"He is injured. It's a difficult one. In the next days, we will know if he needs surgery or not," Guardiola said on Friday.

Guardiola was also uncertain on whether striker Erling Haaland will be available for Sunday's Premier League home game against leaders Liverpool.

Haaland, City's top scorer with 27 goals in all competitions, was an unused substitute in City's 3-1 loss at the Bernabeu after sustaining a knee injury in the 4-0 win against Newcastle United last Saturday.

"Don't know yet. Tomorrow we will know. Obviously with Erling we are better," Guardiola said on Haaland.

The injury to Stones comes a week after it was confirmed fellow defender Manuel Akanji will require surgery on a thigh injury and be absent for up to 10 weeks.

Stones has been restricted to six Premier League starts this season and only returned from a month-long absence in late January following a foot injury.