Before Manchester City’s match against Arsenal, seven players are under doubt following Gareth Southgate’s candid response to John Stones’ injury.

In response to inquiries regarding John Stones’ injury sustained during England’s match against Belgium, Gareth Southgate delivered a scathing response, given Manchester City’s mounting injury woes. Ten minutes into the match, Stones—a vital member of City—was replaced because of an adductor issue.

Citing comparable decisions made by managers of other elite clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Southgate defended his decision to start Stones. During the break, Pep Guardiola had advised his players to be mindful of how they used their international minutes, particularly since they were playing friendlies. Guardiola even made light of his players, telling them if they got hurt, he would hold them accountable.

After Kyle Walker also sustained a hamstring injury during England’s loss to Brazil and withdrew from international duty, City’s injury worries increased. In spite of this, Southgate maintained that Stones had not been overplayed or rushed back, citing Virgil van Dijk, Martin Odegaard, and Erling Haaland as examples.

Nevertheless, Manu Akanji and Matheus Nunes also suffered injuries while playing for their countries, raising questions about their availability for City’s next match against Arsenal. Ederson, Akanji, Stones, Walker, De Bruyne, Nunes, and Grealish are now on City’s injury list; however, earlier in the week, De Bruyne and Grealish were spotted working out. Julian Alvarez, who participated in the entire match for Argentina, is among the players that City is waiting to return.