An elegant, ball-playing centre-back affectionately nicknamed the ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer’, the early part of Stones’ career was blighted by individual errors, but he settled in to playing a major part in City’s success under Guardiola.
Silva said this season that Stones is a “special player” and it is “not a coincidence” that the team play better “when John is fit”.
Stones played in 73% of games for City during his first season at the club, but that has dropped down to 30% this term because of by muscular issues including thigh and calf problems.
He has managed only 16 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, but captained the side into the FA Cup final with victory over Southampton on Sunday.
According to Opta, Stones has missed 737 days and 295 matches through injury or not being selected during his decade at City, with 32 separate issues keeping him out of action.
This season he has featured in only 353 minutes of Premier League action, having played only 545 top-flight minutes last term.
Guardiola said this month: “I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out.
“I don’t have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender.
“I only want [him] fit and, unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible. He is a lovely, incredible team-mate, but we will see what happens.”
Starting with Monday’s trip to Stones’ former side Everton, City face a spell of six games in 21 days as they look to end the season by claiming a domestic treble.
Reports in Spain said this week he is willing to take pay cut to join Barcelona, while former club Everton and Premier League newcomers Coventry have also been linked with a move.
