Champions League: Manchester City defender John Stones ruled out of Shakhtar clash

Manchester City's defensive woes deepened ahead of their opening Champions League clash away to Shakhtar Donetsk as centre back John Stones was ruled out with a muscle injury.

City manager Pep Guardiola broke the news during his pre-match news conference.

"He made a pass and was injured," Guardiola told reporters, confirming the injury occurred during Tuesday's training session. "No problems, he (Fernandinho) can deal with it and he will do well because my players are well.

Fresh from a shock 3-2 Premier League defeat by promoted Norwich City and with French centre back Aymeric Laporte out injured until January or February, the news that Stones could now miss five weeks gives Guardiola a headache.