Manchester City defender John Stones has avoided surgery on a hip injury but will still miss approximately two months of action. Stones sustained the injury early in City's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on February 19. Speaking to the press ahead of City's upcoming fixtures, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that the 30-year-old Englishman is unlikely to return before the end of April.

"No, surgery won't be necessary. He will recover in eight to 10 weeks without an operation," Guardiola told The Athletic.

This season, Stones has featured in just 20 matches for City across all competitions. His injury means he will also miss Thomas Tuchel's debut as England manager in March.

In addition, City lost another key defender, Manuel Akanji, to a thigh injury during the first leg against Real Madrid. Akanji is expected to be out for a similar period, further depleting City's defensive options.