This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Manchester City's Premier League title defense is facing a significant challenge after John Stones suffered a muscular injury, leaving the team with just one fit senior central defender.
According to manager Pep Guardiola, Stones is expected to miss up to six weeks of action, which will see him miss several key matches, including Premier League clashes with Watford, Everton, Wolves, and Crystal Palace, as well as Dinamo Zagreb's visit to the Etihad in the Champions League.
Guardiola hinted that holding midfielder Fernandinho will be moved back to deputise in defence, while youngsters Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwood-Bellis may be given the chance to impress in the coming weeks.
"Injured this morning in training. Four, five or six weeks. It is a muscular problem," Guardiola said ahead of City's Champions League opener away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
Guardiola added, "As a manager, it is an incredible challenge with just one central defender, Nico. But I believe a lot with something people don't know about; the spirit and the commitment for everybody to make a step forward with a big commitment to solve this problem."
