 Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sprung a surprise on the opening day of the Premier League season by failing to name either John Stones or Ruben Dias in his starting XI. The Treble winners travel to Turf Moor on the first Friday night of the season as they look to hit the ground running in their defence of their Premier League title. Dias and Stones were sensational during last season's running, with the latter playing as a midfielder for the latter weeks of the campaign. But there was no place for either player at Turf Moor, with Guardiola selecting Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji in an apparent back four. But Guardiola allayed fears that the pair could be set for a lengthy lay-off, as he revealed Stones has suffered an abductor injury and Dias has concussion. Stones has an abductor injury (Picture: Getty) 'In training the other day, John [Stones] made a pass to Dias, he went too early in his run, said Guardiola. 'Ruben has a tough concussion and the protocol of the Premier League says you need seven days off and that's why he's not here today.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sprung a surprise on the opening day of the Premier League season by failing to name either John Stones or Ruben Dias in his starting XI.
The Treble winners travel to Turf Moor on the first Friday night of the season as they look to hit the ground running in their defence of their Premier League title.
Dias and Stones were sensational during last season’s running, with the latter playing as a midfielder for the latter weeks of the campaign.
But there was no place for either player at Turf Moor, with Guardiola selecting Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji in an apparent back four.