John Stones joins Manchester City’s injury list as the offside rule strikes

John Stones has once again joined the injured list at Manchester City. The defender limped off just before halftime of his side’s 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. The defender went down after making a challenge on Everton striker Beto after he was through on goal.

The discussion point will now be the offside law which makes the linesman wait until raising his flag for offside. Given the play was dead the injury suffered by John Stones occurred in a passage of play that shouldn’t have been.

While the law makes the linesman wait to raise the flag in case there is an error for VAR to intervene, it was only a matter of time before a player suffered an injury in this matter. While it is unfortunate for John Stones and Manchester City it may become an issue that needs to be looked at going forward. The game can’t afford to see players getting injured in what are ultimately dead passages of play.

Speaking post-game Pep Guardiola believed the injury suffered by Stones may be serious. It may be a few days before the extent of the injury is clear. Guardiola told the media: “It doesn’t look good, probably but we will see. It’s his ankle. Hopefully, the damage isn’t big and he can come back soon.”

It has been an injury-interrupted season so far for the England international. He has only featured 13 times in all competitions as injury has curtailed his season so far.

John Stones and Manchester City will be hoping the ankle injury he suffered against Everton isn’t to serious given his importance to the world champions.