Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City’s John Stones has been released from England camp due to a minor muscle injury
- Stones will take no part in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia
- The defender aims to recover ahead of Manchester City’s derby clash with Manchester United on 14 September
England’s Defensive Options Altered by Stones’ Injury
John Stones, a regular starter for Manchester City in each of their opening three fixtures this season, has departed the England national team camp after developing a minor muscle issue. England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the decision was made to avoid jeopardising Stones’ fitness ahead of the World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Serbia.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: John Stones has WITHDRAWN from the England squad with a minor muscular issue and has returned to #ManCity for treatment. 🏴❌ pic.twitter.com/u0GLou4E6Z
— City Report (@cityreport_) September 5, 2025
Tuchel Stresses Caution Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Tuchel explained the decision, stating: “Unfortunately, John Stones just left. He arrived at the camp with slight muscle problems and did not improve as quickly as we expected and hoped. So he left the camp this morning because we will not take any risks with his involvement, neither against Andorra nor against Serbia.”
Focus Shifts to Club Recovery for Manchester Derby
Having exited from international duty, Stones has returned to Manchester, where he will prioritise rehabilitation in a bid to be fit for Manchester City’s first post-international-break fixture: the highly anticipated city derby against Manchester United, scheduled to take place at the Etihad Stadium on 14 September.
| Player | Club | Reason for Withdrawal | Upcoming Fixtures Missed | Target Return Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Stones | Manchester City | Minor muscle injury | Andorra (World Cup Qualifier), Serbia (World Cup Qualifier) | Manchester United – 14 September (Etihad Stadium) |
