Life’s not been a bed of roses for John Stones lately. The England international remains sidelined after picking up a controversial injury before the new year against Everton. The blow came after he went the extra mile, chasing a ball over the top, where Everton forward Beto was deemed offside only after the potential goal threat had passed. Now, weeks after the incident, while the linemen were scrutinized over their decision, referee Howard Webb candidly acknowledged that ‘the assistant did everything right‘. 

This came in the latest installment of PL’s Match Officials Mic’d Up, where Professional Game Match Officials Limited- PGMOL’s Howard Webb gave his insights on all the crucial moments during matchweeks 17–21. Unsurprisingly, the discussion went to John Stones’ injury on December 28. Ederson’s injury against Newcastle, where he got wounded in a collision during an attack and the linesman delayed the offside flag, was also discussed. Taking both incidents into account, he said, “The flag was delayed because the assistant knew it was close and we know that he was 3cm offside because we track every offside the decision.”

“So the assistant did everything right,” he concluded. Although Webb knows such situations attract ‘negative attention,’ it is done eventually to allow the deserved goals to stand without interrupting the play. “As long as we only do it in those circumstances, which reduces the number of times, and we keep pointing out to our officials when they are too cautious and delay when they don’t need to. That way, we can limit the number of times that can happen [and] reduce the risk of injury,” Webb concluded.

This analysis will surely prove to lower the frustrations around John Stones’ injury, considering that the fanbase would have now heard the other side of the story. Speaking of which, when will he return to action?

When will John Stones take the field again? 

Currently, there is no set date for John Stones’ comeback. The 29-year-old has been described as ‘Out’ in almost every game since the start of this campaign. It seems likely that the defender’s services will not be available to the Sky Blues for the rest of January as well.

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However, not all hope is lost. Manchester City’s medical staff is currently working with the player to help him recuperate in the coming weeks. Speaking of other injuries, while Kevin De Bruyne returned this week, Erling Haaland is still sidelined. Meanwhile, Ederson and Manuel Akanji are expected to make a comeback sooner than ever. 

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