John Stones made his long-awaited return to the Manchester City line-up over the weekend, with talk growing that Everton could be interested in a summer move.
Stones was back in the side for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Salford at the Etihad Stadium.
The centre-back has missed a lot of time again this season due to injuries, and this was his first appearance since City’s 5-4 win over Fulham late last year.
While he got the start at the Etihad, it was not a particularly smooth return – something Everton scouts may have noticed.
John Stones struggles in Manchester City return, a concern for Everton
Stones lined up at the back alongside Abdukodir Khusanov.
It was a good moment for City fans, given how much he is liked around the Etihad.
But he did not play anywhere near his best, and it showed throughout the match.
The Manchester Evening News noted that Stones ‘looked incredibly rusty on his first start for nearly three months’ and was ‘caught out on a number of occasions’.
Pep Guardiola also admitted after the game that the English centre-back was not quite himself.
“He’s back. He still needs time, he’s not the John Stones that we knew but his body language was really good in terms of the press and aggression,” the Spaniard stated (via ESPN).
That might be enough to give some clubs pause about moving for him this summer.
Everton have been mentioned as one of several sides interested in bringing him in, with other big names from across Europe also linked.
Everton should be cautious about John Stones’ fitness concerns
There was a sense that Stones would struggle to get up to speed straight away, given how long he has been out. That did not come as a huge surprise.
However, Guardiola’s comment that he is “not the John Stones that we knew” was notable, and may be concerning for clubs eyeing him ahead of the summer transfer window.
Everton are reportedly considering a free transfer for the player. His performance level between now and the end of the season will be closely watched.
Stones has proven himself as one of the league’s top centre-backs when fully fit over the past few seasons. But questions about his long-term fitness have started to pop up again.
If there are signs that he is starting to drop off, Everton will need to think carefully before moving forward with any plans for him.
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