The only negative note on otherwise fine night for City, who regained top spot in the Premier League,was the fact that Ake was withdrawn at half-time and Stones near the end of the game as precautions after both feeling a touch of discomfort.
With Kyle Walker also currently out with an ankle issue and Joao Cancelo suspended for our Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid, City will be anxious to avoid any more injuries.
Asked about Stones, who came off shortly before the end of the Etihad win, the boss said he would have a clearer idea of the situation on Thursday, but hoped it would not be too serious.
“He felt a little bit tight,” he explained at his post-match press conference.
“I didn’t speak to the doctor, I will speak to him in the morning. Even for the doctors he needs to rest a little bit to know exactly the feeling. John went out running and playing. That is a good sign.
“He did not make an action and fall down to the grass. He was playing but felt tight. We did not want to take a risk. We will see in the next days.”
Ake meanwhile was withdrawn at half time after appearing to be affected by a leg problem.
Reflecting on such a key stage of the season, the City boss insisted he would not take chances with his players’ fitness.
“Hopefully it is not muscular because we have problems in that position with Kyle Walker (injury) and Joao (suspended) from playing against Madrid. We will see,” Guardiola added.
“When people talk about my (FA Cup semi-final) selection against Liverpool many times it is for that reason. Do you think KDB could have played against Liverpool? He could not have played.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full...
