Huge Blow for Man City: Haaland & De Bruyne Updates Revealed in Midst of Liverpool Battle

Manchester City expects to be without John Stones for an extended period of time after closing the gap on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

City defeated Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park after winning the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the reigning champions have closed the gap on the Reds, who lead the table and have a game in hand.

However, Stones was forced off against Everton due to an ankle injury, and Pep Guardiola admitted the defender’s problem is a concern. “It doesn’t look good,” said the city manager, “but we’ll see.” “That’s his ankle.”

City had to come back against Everton, and their second goal was marred by controversy. On 62 minutes, Nathan Ake’s shot from point-blank range struck Everton’s Amadou Onana’s arm, earning the visitors a penalty for handball. Julian Alvarez converted the penalty, and Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva also scored.

The Etihad Stadium team was far from free-flowing against Everton. They were once again without Erling Haaland, who is still suffering from a foot injury. Meanwhile, talisman Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t played since August due to a hamstring injury.

De Bruyne is expected to play against Sheffield United on Saturday, but Haaland is out. “He is training alone, but he is not training with the team yet,” Guardiola added.

“I’m not a physician.” He had a stress fracture in his feet, which was excruciatingly painful. He’s not a skinny guy like Phil Foden; he’s big and tall, which makes it more difficult at times. When he is well, he will return to play, but the doctors come every morning and determine which players are available. I put together the team, and we play the games.”

“Kevin is close but he had fatigue yesterday and we have to be careful,” he said. “When he was injured for three months, if you don’t manage your timing properly, you can get injured again.” The injury was serious, so we’re taking it slowly, but he’s training with us and is so upbeat that he’ll be back soon. I’d like him to play in the next game against Huddersfield, but what matters is that he stays fit for a long time, not just for one game.”