John Stones added to Pep Guardiola's injury concerns as the Manchester City centre-back limped off during Saturday's Manchester derby.
With Aymeric Laporte suffering a long-term knee injury earlier this season, Fernandinho has been drafted into the back line by Guardiola with the City coach seemingly not keen on a potential partnership of Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.
Stones' own injury troubles have contributed to Guardiola's problems this term, but the England international was selected alongside Fernandinho to face Manchester United at the Etihad on Saturday evening.
The derby started badly for City, however, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial handed United a deserved 2-0 lead heading into half-time.
Guardiola made no changes at half-time, but was forced into his first substitution as Stones picked up another injury problem after 58 minutes.
The defender looked downcast as he sat on the turf, and could not continue despite treatment, limping off to be replaced by Otamendi.
Stones' absence could leave City short heading into a pivotal run of festive fixtures as they attempt to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Meanwhile, yet another injury for Stones could also further convince Guardiola that he needs to spend in January on a reliable centre-back option.
