'Not ideal' - Man City given injury update ahead of Liverpool

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John Stones has returned to Manchester City this weekend after picking up an injury before England's friendly against Uruguay

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed John Stones has picked up a 'minor injury' after he returned to Manchester City over the weekend. Ahead of the Three Lions' friendly against Uruguay, Stones picked up a calf issue that made him a doubt to feature.

The 31-year-old was an unused substitute for the draw and England confirmed on Saturday night he had left the camp to receive treatment with City. Stones has had several niggling injury issues during his time with the Blues and was out between December and February with a thigh complaint that was initially deemed 'not serious'.

Ahead of England's clash with Japan on Tuesday night, Tuchel said: "It's not ideal. Not ideal for John, and not ideal for us.

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"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."

England will name their World Cup squad at the end of May following the culmination of the Premier League season. City return to action on Saturday against Liverpool in the FA Cup.