Stones pushed into defensive midfield as Rodri got a rest against Young Boys, showing himself to be Guardiola&aposs first-choice cover for Rodri rather than the likes of Mateo Kovacic or Kalvin Phillips. Stones was injured when Rodri was suspended recently and City lost three games in succession.
Now Stones is set for another spell out, Guardiola thinks Nathan Ake and Manu Akanji are capable of doing that Stones role if needed.
“Now we are in trouble,” Guardiola said referring to Stones&apos injury in regards to covering for Rodri. “We will have to play a bit differently, like Arsenal, it is not comfortable. Not change many variations.
“Kalvin [Phillips, substitute] played some really good minutes, Nathan in that position or Manu. They can play it. They have stability, control in transitions. Manu or Nathan can play perfectly.”
