Pep Guardiola confirms HUGE Man City blow after Aston Villa defeat

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that his Manchester City side have been dealt yet another injury blow after they lost 2-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Guardiola, 53, saw his side fall two goals behind thanks to Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers’ strikes before Phil Foden pulled one back in the 93^rd minute to register his first Premier League strike of the season.

The defeat saw City drop to sixth as their torrid run of form continues, having won just once in their last 12 games in all competitions.

But it was not just the result that will disappoint fans.

At half-time, centre-back John Stones, 30, was withdrawn from proceedings and replaced by Kyle Walker.

Fans speculated whether he had aggravated a previous foot injury.

After the game, in an interview with TNT Sports, Guardiola confirmed the news.

Jules Breach asked: "What was the reason John Stones could not continue, was it the recurrence of a previous injury?"

Guardiola replied: "Yes."

Stones has featured in just eight league games this season as he has struggled to maintain match fitness having been blighted with a string of injury issues.

City's squad has been ravaged by several high-profile injuries this term. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri remains out after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.

Kevin De Bruyne missed over a month, between September and late October, with a hamstring injury and has failed to make a real impact since he returned to fitness. Youngster Oscar Bobb also remains out.

John Stones was withdrawn after 45 minutes (Credit:Getty)

On Friday, the City boss revealed that Stones' fellow centre-back Ruben Dias had picked up a "muscular" injury.

"He's out for a long time," said Guardiola.

"Three or four weeks - muscular issue. [He played] 75 minutes against United and felt something but he is so strong so stayed on the pitch and is now injured."

One of City's other central defenders, Nathan Ake, was an unused substitute at Villa Park while Manuel Akanji is back in training.

"Manuel is back training the last two days," said Guardiola on Friday.

"The more that come back, is better. The guys are ready."