Manchester City without injured defensive duo for Champions League opener
John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss Tuesday’s match away to Sevilla
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester City defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker will both miss Tuesday’s Champions League opener at Sevilla through injury, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
Neither player was included in City’s travelling squad for the Group G clash at the Roman Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Right-back Walker was forced off in the latter stages of Saturday’s Premier League draw at Aston Villa while Stones has also picked up a knock.
Guardiola said at a press conference, reported by the club: “(They are) injured. John is not much. Kyle is not much too, but I don’t know if he will be ready for Saturday, or (Borussia) Dortmund or Wolves before the international break.”
The pair’s absence could see deadline day signing Manuel Akanji come in for his City debut.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has travelled to Spain after a spell out with a shoulder injury and could also feature.
Guardiola is expecting a tough encounter despite Sevilla’s poor form.
Julen Lopetegui’s side, who finished fourth in LaLiga last season, have collected just one point from their opening four games.
The City boss said: “Always teams in Spain are so tough – they have dominated in the last 15 years.
“We have to be prepared because they will be aggressive.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments