Man City dealt injury blow ahead of Liverpool game in FA Cup as 'not ideal' issue emerges

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed John Stones picked up a minor injury and returned to Manchester City for treatment ahead of their FA Cup match against Liverpool on Saturday

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola(Image: Molly Darlington/Copa, Getty Images)

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed John Stones sustained a 'minor injury' following his return to Manchester City at the weekend.

Prior to the Three Lions' friendly against Uruguay, Stones developed a calf problem that cast doubt over his participation with the World Cup looming this summer.

The 31 year old remained on the bench throughout the draw, with England announcing on Saturday evening that he had departed the squad to undergo treatment with City. Stones is now a big doubt for this weekend's FA Cup game between City and Liverpool, with nine players potentially missing the game through injury.

Stones has endured a series of persistent injury setbacks during his spell with the Blues, including a period between December and February sidelined with a thigh problem that was originally described as 'not serious'.

Speaking ahead of England's fixture with Japan on Tuesday evening, Tuchel commented: "It's not ideal. Not ideal for John, and not ideal for us.

"John was gutted that he had this minor incident again, which was not a big injury, but minor. Given the history, we had to be careful, it made no sense to push him through and make things even worse. He has a lot of credit with me in the bank still.

"He is a key player for us as a starter or as a substitute, as a part of the team, because of his quality, but also because of his mentality and the personality, how he is as a character. He is a big part in my plans still. Like everyone, he has to be fit." "There is no big exception. Let's wait and see how it plays out. He will have some days rest, [and will] be then on the pitch."

"I saw him playing for Man City in Newcastle, very complicated match and he did so, so well. I think he can get away with not too many minutes and being competitive would be nice. We will take a late decision."

Manchester City defender John Stones pictured in England training before picking up an injury(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

England will announce their World Cup squad at the end of May after the conclusion of the Premier League season. City are back in action on Saturday against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Erling Haaland is likely to be involved though after missing Norway's game against Netherlands. He is set to play some part as his nation takes on Switzerland on Monday.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained on TV2: “We have to take into account the overall load Erling has been under for a long, long time and based on that, we have concluded that the best solution for all parties is for him to get a necessary break now.

“Our conclusion is that it’s best if Erling participates in at most one of the matches during this international break, and we think it would be nice if he perhaps gets to show himself in front of the Ullevaal crowd against Switzerland.