The City and Spain star will miss the rest of the 2023/24 campaign after having to undergo surgery last week in the wake of an ACL injury sustained in last week’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
It was a big blow for the champions with Rodrigo having emerged as a genuine contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award thanks to his sublime form over the past few seasons.
However, Guardiola is blessed with a number of elite players who can be deployed in the holding role such as Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Stones himself who has been deployed in various midfield positions to great effect over the past few seasons.
Asked if he was ready to be deployed in the position at Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of our latest Champions League game away to Slovan Bratislava, Stones declared: “If called upon 100%.
“It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me [but] I enjoyed it.
“Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.
“And hopefully we can recreate even better moments than the Champions League final.”
The England defender also revealed that he had personally been in touch with Rodrigo on Sunday in the wake of the operation he underwent last Friday in Madrid..
And he delivered a positive update on the Spanish star’s spirts and mindset as he sets out on the road to recovery and rehabilitation.
“[Rodrigo’s injury] was difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he’s doing well, recovering,” Stones added.
“It’s sad for the standard he has set over the last season has been incredible.
“We know what a key player he is for us, but we want him to be back quickly.
“We know it will be a long time, but we have a lot of quality players capable of filling in in that position.
“He was in good spirits. Now he knows what’s happened and knows his process to get back, he’s come to terms with it.
“He is over in Spain with his family. He needs to take time now to relax and recover as best he can.”
