Gareth Southgate has defended his decision to select John Stones in England's 2-2 friendly draw with Belgium on Tuesday after the Manchester City defender sustained an 'adductor problem' at Wembley Stadium.
After playing the full 90 minutes for the Three Lions in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Brazil, Stones was handed another start in central defence, this time partnering Lewis Dunk.
However, Stones's 71st international appearance lasted for just 10 minutes as he signalled to be withdrawn after jarring his leg when attempting to retrieve the ball.
The 29-year-old briefly required treatment on the pitch before limping down the tunnel, with Liverpool's Joe Gomez brought on as his replacement.
England conceded the opening goal just moments after Stones was taken off, with Belgium's Youri Tielemans netting either side of an Ivan Toney penalty, before Jude Bellingham rescued a draw for the Three Lions with a 95th-minute equaliser.
© Reuters
John Stones emerges as injury doubt for Arsenal clash
Stones is the latest Man City star to emerge as an injury doubt ahead of the Citizens' Premier League title showdown with leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
England teammate Kyle Walker lasted just 19 minutes in the Three Lions' loss to Brazil after tweaking his hamstring, although Man City are hopeful that he will recover in time to face the Gunners.
Earlier on Tuesday, Manuel Akanji was forced to withdraw from the Switzerland squad after their head coach Murat Yakin revealed that the defender had picked up a knock.
Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes was not involved in Portugal's friendly defeat to Slovenia, with Portuguese news outlet B24PT, via @City_Xtra on 'X', claiming that the midfielder required treatment to a knock in his foot.
Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish (both groin) and Ederson (muscle) are also doubtful ahead of Sunday's meeting with Arsenal, although Man City have been boosted by the former two returning to training this week.
© Reuters
Gareth Southgate issues update on John Stones injury
Asked if it was a risk to start Stones against Belgium, England boss Southgate, as quoted by The Athletic, said: "Well, no, the first game - we measure everything - the first game for him wasn't a game that was a high level in terms of the intensity.
"We've done exactly what Holland did with Virgil van Dijk tonight, what Norway did with [Erling] Haaland and [Martin] Odegaard, starting them again, Holland also started [Nathan] Ake again.
"So it only ever seems to fall on us when there's a question around that. Of course, we're disappointed if he's got a problem, it seems to be in the adductor area, so we just have to see.
"John also came in on the back of not having played for two weeks, so it's not that it's an overload situation. But I hate sending players back to their clubs if they're not fully fit."
Man City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to provide a further update on the fitness of Stones and the rest of his Citizens squad at a press conference on Friday.
No Data Analysis info
